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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was signed by King John, and was the first written contract that began to limit the power of the king. It also established the basis of a parliamentary body in the English government. -
Jan 1, 1529
Reformation Parliament
This was the Parliament that King Henry VIII summoned to deal with his divorce from Catharine of Aragon after he separated from the Catholic Church. It brought about the Protestant Reformation in England. Many of the leaders had already been influenced by Lutheran beliefs. This set the precedent for a Protestant Parliament that would come into conflict with some of the Stewart kings. -
King Charles I Clashes with Parliament
King Charles I takes the English throne. After coming to power he clashes with the Protestant Parliament because of his Catholic tendencies. Further problems arose when he asked for money to fund his war efforts. The Parliament finally agreed as long as he would sign the Petition of Right and Charles agreed. -
King Charles Dissolves Parliament
Even though King Charles agreed to sign the Petition of Right, he did not and dissolved Parliament until 1640. This caused many members of Parliament to oppose him and distrust him; which began and fueled Parliament’s distrust in an absolute monarchy. -
The Grand Remonstrance and Civil War
After King Charles recalled Parliament and they created the Grand Remonstrance, which listed their issues with King Charles I. When the king refused to sign the document the English Civil Wars began. Charles tries to exert his power by raising and army to invade Parliament. Parliament then raises its own forces that are led by Oliver Cromwell. -
King Charles is Executed
King Charles is captured by Cromwell, and tried by Parliament and executed. After his execution, Oliver Cromwell takes the title of Lord Protector of England. Cromwell becomes a tyrant that is hated by England, but this is the first instance in which England is not ruled by a king, helping to bring about an end to an absolutist government. Even after Cromwell’s death, when the monarchy is reinstated, there is distrust between the king and parliament. -
William and Mary come to power
William of Orange and his wife Mary are offered the throne after his invasion of England during the Glorious Revolution. King William and Queen Mary ruled together as joint rulers. During their reign they passed the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights put an end to an absolutist government forever, by limiting the power of the monarchy and giving Parliament more power in governing the country.
