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James I succeeded Elizabeth I as king of England, inheriting large amounts of debt and religious division. To generate revenue, James I imposed Impositions without Parliament's consent. James I also committed England to the Anglican episcopal church, upsetting English Puritans. James' reign saw the beginning of conflicts with Parliament and religious issues that would eventually lead to civil war. -
Charles I continued his father's strategy of bypassing Parliament when levying new taxes. Charles would disband Parliament in 1629 and ignore its attempts to restrict his power. Charles' disputes with Parliament and his attempt to force the Anglican Church upon Scotland would lead to the convening of the Long Parliament and eventually, civil war. -
The Long Parliament forced King Charles I to agree to the following:
1. The king can't levy taxes without Parliament's consent
2. The king must meet with Parliament at least once every three years
3. The king can't dissolve Parliament without its consent
This event imposed restrictions on the king and caused tension that would eventually lead to civil war and Charles' execution. -
Parliament passed the Militia Ordinance, giving itself the authority to raise an army. This act led to a four-year civil war in which Parliament prevailed. -
Oliver Cromwell's death led to the end of the Puritan Republic in 1660, and the return to an Anglican monarchy under the reign of Charles II, and later, James II. Crucially, his death allowed Parliament to hold power once again, setting up the events that would lead to the Test Act and the Glorious Revolution. -
Parliament invited William III of Orange to invade England and overthrow James II. William's arrival was met with strong popular support, and James fled England. William and his wife, Mary, became the monarchs of England. Their rule allowed for the passing of a Bill of Rights and religious freedom for all Protestants in England. -
William III and Mary II agreed to a Bill of Rights, which imposed the following changes:
1. Limited powers of the monarchy
2. Guaranteed civil freedoms to privileged classes
3. King is below the law and rules by the consent of Parliament
4. Catholics cannot occupy the throne.
This Bill of Rights completed England's transition to a limited monarchy, where the king's powers are restricted by the law.