The Evolvement of the English Monarchy to a Parliamentary Monarchy/Constitutional Monarchy
By giulianna
-
Jun 1, 1215
Magna Carta
Magna Carta meaning "Great Charter" in Latin was established under the rule of King John. He was forced by the nobles/ knights to accept this; therefore, restricting his power. This agreement essentially set the foundation for parliament as it stated the king could not tax without their consent and established legal rights as opposed to placing total authority on to the king. -
Jan 28, 1457
Henry VII's rule
After the War of Roses between the Lancaster's and the York Henry VII was choosen by Parliament in order to settle on common grounds. He was the beginning of the Tudor lineage yet, since he was not a true heir he recieved much resentment and contempt from the people. Despite not gaining much popularity during his reign he implemented the Star Chamber using the Privy Council. -
Jun 24, 1509
Henry VIII's rule
Ultimately Henry VIII succeeded the crown at the age of 18 and shortly after married Catherine of Aragon. However she was unable to produce a son and soon Henry requested a divorce from the Pope. He was denied and as a result he implement the Act of Supremacy which made him the head of the church as opposed to the Pope. This also placed power to the Parliament as well now that the Anglican Church was the national church. Many people resisted this change such as Thomas More whom was excuted. -
Jul 19, 1553
Mary I's rule
After her ill-fated brother Edward reigned for 6 year Mary then took over the crown. Unlike her brother whom was a Protestant she was a Catholic and eventually gained the name "Bloody Mary" because she enforced these laws violently and forcefully. Not only was her coercion an impact but her marriage to the Spanish King Phillip II influenced Catholicism even more in England. The parliament was strongly opposed to this marriage and did not support her persecution. -
Nov 17, 1558
Elizabeth I's rule
Her reign was a time of prosperity as the arts flourished and it was known as the Elizabethan Era. Playwrights such as William Shakespeare present at this time Elizabeth was a successful monarch as she reestablished the Act of Supremacy and the Anglican Church. She was also known to have thwarted the Spanish Armada due to their strong Navy. Under her rule she worked together to Parliament to maintain stable control. Her crown was wanted by many, eventually leading to the excution of Mary Stuart. -
James I's rule
James I did not not favor Parliament as he wished for absolute rule claiming his "divine rights" and he rarely consulted with them. He also estranged the Purtians & Catholics and enforced the King James Bible to gain more control over the church. At this time Puritanism grew and the majority of the House of Commons were Puritans. This led to many disagreements and even catholics were involved as depicted in the plot of bombing the Parliament "Gunpowder Plot" by Guy Fawks. -
Charles I's rule
Although Charles was a great advocator of the Anglican Church many Puritans felt he was more inclined toward the Catholic side such as having an archbishop like William Laud. He wanted uniformity for all the church; therefore, establishing the Book of Common Prayer. Despite this he constantly quarreled with Parliament for funds and in return for this money he agreed to the Petition of Rights which limited monarchial power and equalized Parliament he disregarded this however angering Parliament. -
James II and the Glorious Revolution
The successor to Charles II whom was a Catholic that strongly advocated this by allowing Catholics into high positions and surrounding his courts with Catholics as well as attacked Anglican beliefs. He even passed a law that allowed religious tolerance without Parliment's consent. Tories and Whigs were highly opposed to him due to his absolutist tendencies and Catholic inclination. He soon gave up the throne to Mary and William which became the Glorious Revolution because it was a bloodless war. -
English Civil War
War between Cavaliers which were those whom favored Charles I ,which consisted of nobility, and Roundheads which were Parliament (House of Commons), mostly consisting of Puritans that disagreed with Kings' "divine right". Oliver Cromwell which led the Roundheads and New Model Army, full time soldiers. The Roundheads were also forceful with their beliefs and Colonel Pride's Purge was an example of this as members of Parliament were removed if they did not support NMA. Roundhead victory, -
Commonweath of England
After the English Civil War the Commonwealth was established under the rule of Cromwell. He ruled mostly with the Rump Parliament and created a Constituional republic it however was not recognized by many, Rebels such as the Levellers, those whom wanted liberty of religion and corruption, and Diggers, whom were agrarians that wanted land distributed to the poor. The Protectorate is then established but Cromwell is viewed as a military dictator by most, his death essentially ends the Commonwealth -
Restoration of Charles II
Unlike the rulers prior to Charles II he was in good terms with the Constitutional Monarchy and authorized laws that were the Clarendon Code which reestablished the Anglican Church. The Test Act as well favored the Anglicans as they were the only ones with rights to military and civilian positions. Writ of Habeas Corpus then forbad the govnmnt to unlawfully imprison someone without justifications. This showed how much the King's power began loosening and the strength of Parliament. -
English Bill of Rights
This document was written by the Parliament to prevent any forthcoming injustice or abuse from monarchs. It granted people rights from cruel punishments and a fair trial and even religious tolerance. This also assured Parliament they would always be involved in government matters. The power of the monarch was basically diminshed and shifted most of the authority to Parliament. This allowed England to move into a more limited monarchy, This loosening then allowed John Locke to voice his ideas.
