7 Steps to a Limited Monarchy in England

Economic Advancement

Jan 1, 1540

Use of coal increased fourteen fold by 1680, and this allowed England to use new industrial techniques, which helped boost the economy. In turn, the gentry and merchants profited and began to become more prominent, even begging to see themselves as the nation’s leaders. This led to the formation of a formidable class other than the landholding nobles. http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/3247936632_7229666f8a.jpg?v=0

The Apology of the Commons

Jan 1, 1604

This document, by apologizing for James I’s Scottish tendencies, actually took a stab at the monarchy and asserted the powers of Parliament. By saying that the king didn’t understand English traditions, they were ridiculing him, and as a result, they were able to get many concessions, http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/James_I%2C_VI_by_John_de_Critz%2C_c.1606..png

Petition of Right Ratified

Jun 7, 1628

Parliament addressed their grievances, such as taxation without Parliament's consent and martial law in peace-time, to Charles I. Though Charles violated the terms he agreed to, the idea that the monarch can be checked by parliament persist, as the themes from this document reappear over the course of the next sixty years or so. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/11/Petition_of_Right.jpg

The Short Parliament Commences

Apr 13, 1640

Before considering the monetary requests by Charles I, the assembly addressed their grievances with him, many similar to those in the Petition of Right. Though not effective since they were dissolved May 5th of that year, it reinforced the concept of questioning the monarch's actions.http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/89/House_of_Commons_Microcosm.jpg

Charles I Executed

Jan 30, 1649

This is probably the most visible rejection of the monarch. The Rump Parliament was strongly against the power of the monarch since all of the people who had been against their cause had been removed. Still, it was a clear rejection of absolute authority. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Contemporary_German_print_depicting_Charles_Is_beheading.jpg

English Restoration-Charles II Comes to the Throne

May 8, 1660

Though the monarchy was restored, it was only restored by parliament’s consent, even if it was a royalist body. Additionally, even though only a few measures (habeas corpus, taxation, royal courts) remained in effect after the restoration, the monarchy had taken a blow because the gentry had become a powerful force in politics.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1b/Charles_II_(1675).jpg

The English Bill of Rights Presented to William and Mary

Feb 13, 1689

The document outlines rights that should be protected, as well as giving parliament considerable power and reducing that of the monarch. This is underscored by parliament's asking William and Mary to take over the throne, in return for an agreement to be accountable to the government. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/English_Bill_of_Rights_of_1689_%28bottom%29.jpg