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Period: Jan 1, 1210 to
Seven Steps to Limited Monarchy in England
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Jun 15, 1215
Creation of Magna Carta
This was the first document that limited the power of a British king and ensured certain rights for the king's subjects. Limited monarchy expands upon these goals.
Image Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Magna_charta_cum_statutis_angliae_p1.jpg/512px-Magna_charta_cum_statutis_angliae_p1.jpg -
English Civil War Begins
The English Civil War resulted from a dispute between Charles I and Parliament. It was ultimately a power struggle because Charles I didn't want to grant Parliament any rights. Instead, he wanted to keep the power for himself, making him an absolute monarch. Because Parliament and the Roundheads won the war, this was a step towards lessening monarchial power.
Image Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/92/English_civil_war_drummer_bronze_statue_by_John_McKenna.jpg/512px- -
Execution of Archbishop Laud
Laud was a supporter of Charles I, who attempted to be an absolute monarch. Parliament, after winning the English Civil War, circumvented the King's power by impeaching and executing Laud, one of his biggest supporters. Parliament will not stand for the King's supporters oppressing the Puritan religion, and they will not balk at the King's seemingly-absolute power to executre one of his important men.
Image Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Wenceslas_Hollar_-_Archb -
Act of Habeas Corpus
Parliament passes this law during the reign of Charles II to strengthen existing laws of Habeus Corpus. Not only is Parliament exercising its power, but the law gives more rights to the general populace such as being able to appear in court if arrested. The King cannot arbitrarily arrest a citizen and execute them without a trial. There has to be a reason for the arrest.
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William III and Mary II Ascend the Throne
William of Orange and his wife, Mary (daughter of James II) ascend the throne of England by Parliament's decree, marking a new age of cooperation between Parliament and the monarchy. They will create a more equal balance of power between monarch and Parliament, helping create limited monarchy.
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Adoption of Bill of Rights
William III and Mary II adopt a Bill of Rights that limits their power as monarchs. It allowed for freedom of speech in Parliament and provided that Parliament would meet every three years. The document made England a limited monarchy.
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Walpole Advises George I
Walpole was an influential polititian who made sure that the status quo was follwed in England by George I, former Elector of Hanover who became the British king after the death of Anne, who ruled after William III and Mary II. He made sure that the reforms that limited the power of the monarchy remained in place, building a solid foundation of practice for the new system of government.
Image Credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/WALPOLE_orford.jpeg
