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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta
One of the first moves towards a limited monarchy. Issued by barons during the reign of King John, the document protected territory and wealth rights of the Barons under the Kings rule. England at this time was still a feudal system, so land was the key to life. Similar to many moves towards a limited monarchy in the 17th century, the rich barons forced the Kings hand, threatening a civil war if he did not oblige to their demands.
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Jan 1, 1529
The Summoning of the Reformation Parliament
The summoning of the Parliament in 1529 by Henry VIII was the beginning of Parliaments increase in power throughout the next century. The King needed the Parliaments help, and the Parliament used this as a way to gain power for themselves. This Parliament established the restriction of the crown, and set the standard for co-rule of the two bodies in running the government. From this point on the Crown worked with the Parliament.
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30 Years War
At the start of the Thirty Years War the king and parliament were at odds, the monarchy believing they were in charge, and the parliament believing that the crown and the commons were equal, and worked cooperatively. In response, Charles I levied harsh taxes on Englands people in an attempt to raise funds for the war without having to rely on Parliament. These people were angered by this and supported parliament over the monarchy.
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Passing of the Petition of Rights
The Passing of the Petition of Rights established the exact amount of power the parliament would have over the monarchy. After being suddenly dismissed by Charles I, the parliament met on their own and decided to draw up a set of restriction for the Monarchy to sign establishing the powers of parliament. These gave Parliament full control over taxes, court, and law in peace and war times.
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The English Civil War
The English Civil War was in essence the Monarchy defying the power the Parliament had gained, and the parliament and the people fighting out against Charles I. The Parliament won the war and dethroned and executed Charles I. Oliver Cromwell took control as Lord Protector, and he along with parliament ruled in place of a monarchy.
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The Restoration
After the Parliaments failed attempt at self rule with Cromwell as Lord Protector, the Parliament invited CHarles II to take the throne, under strict restrictions. The parliament required that the King allow complete religious freedom (not counting Roman Catholics), forgiveness of opponents of the Tudor Family, leniency to the parliaments rule, and payment for cost of war and soldiers.
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The Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution was the final step to creating a Limited Monarchy in England. The Parliament invited William and Mary of Orange to become Monarchs but only if they swore to be with the parliament against absolutist ideas. The Monarchs and Parliament worked together to pass the Bill of Rights. This revolution marked the completion of a limited monarchy and the long lasting power of Parliament in England.
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