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Death of Elizabeth I
Death of Elizabeth I, Queen of England. Her rule lasted nearly 45 years, and was remembered for her good relationship with Parliament and her unwillingness to marry. Her handpicked successor was James VI of Scotland, who became James I of England. -
Petition of Right
Important English constitutional document signed by King Charles I just three years into his reign. The document gave certain rights to the people, such as the prevention of quartering soldiers in private homes, the prevention of taxes without the consent of Parliament, and the reiteration of Habeus Corpus. -
English Civil War
War between Charles I and Parliament that lasted parts of seven years. War was caused by tensions between Charles and Parliament. Some of these tensions included finanacial concerns (Charles spent between 1629 and 1640 acquiring funds without the use of Parliament), religious differences (Charles was a supporter of Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud, while much of Parliament consisted of Puritans who detested him), and oppressiveness on the part of the King. -
Trial and Execution of Charles I
The trial and execution of Charles I was a result of the English Civil War. The execution of Charles ushered in nearly a decade of non-monarch rule, led by Oliver Cromwell. A former member of Parliament and fierce Puritan, Cromwell was a harsh critic of Charles, while, in practicality, he was as much of an absolute ruler as Charles was. -
The Restoration
Restoration of the English Monarchy after over a decade of harsh rule by Oliver Cromwell. Charles II ruled for nearly 25 years, and while he had conflicts with Parliament, they were not nearly to the extent as his fathers arguments with Parliament. He died in 1685. -
Glorious Revolution
The birth James' Catholic son in June of 1688 was enough for Protestants who disliked James to begin with. In June, seven Protestant nobles talked to William of Orange, attempting to convince him to invade England and take over the throne. William arrived in England in November, and became monarch soon after, ending the Stuart line of Kings and the quest for absolutism associated with them. -
English Bill of Rights
Final piece to solidify limited monarchy in England. Clauses include no standing army during peace time, freedom of petition, no taxes not issued by Parliament, and no use of cruel and unusual punishment.
