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Jan 1, 1265
First English Parliament
Simon de Montfort was the leader of the English rebellion. Years later, two groups formed: one supporting Montfort and one supporting the king. Each group grew more concentrated. Henry III received a letter in 1663 exterminating him. Both groups created armies and a battle began. Henry was defeated by Montfort’s army and taken in as a prisoner. Montfort established the first Parliament in English history in 1664 without royalty’s agreement. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medieval_parl -
Jan 1, 1550
Economic Growth
Exported wool trade was a major industry in England. New industrial tools and techniques were established, making merchants and the gentry more beneficial. They grew wealthier and well known, wanting to lead the nation of England. Also, the use of coal increased making it a popular material. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ryal_1465_641629.jpg -
English Civil War
Neither Charles I or Parliament was willing to back down over what they believed was right and wrong. This caused a war and both sides figured all problems would be solved. Charles refused to listen to Parliament’s suggestions and they soon became separated from their king. The country split into two parts: supporters of the king and supporters of Parliament. The English Civil War consisted of only three main battles, all in a matter of three years. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:King_Charle -
Gentry
The Gentry was a group consisting of more than 15,000 British people who spoke for their country when decisions needed to be made. The Gentry didn’t consist of all the wealthy or royalty, which was good. Common people had a chance to make input in decision making and they spoke for ideas that helped establish Limited Monarchy. The Gentry and Parliament were two separate groups and each had their own beliefs and rights. http://www.wales.nhs.uk/sites3/documents/582/group%20meeting.jpg -
Execution of Charles I
Charles I controlled one side of the English Civil War and was accused of being a murderer and traitor to England’s people. Charles’ execution lead to an eleven year gap in the rule of the Stuarts. Oliver Cromwell rose to supreme power. Cromwell was one of the men who signed Charles’ death warrant. During his whole trial, Charles never once tried to defend himself until the court’s judgment was announced and it was too late for Charles. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Court-charles-I-sm.jpg -
Charles II
Even after Charles I’s death, Charles II wasn’t declared king until a later date. Cromwell led England for awhile during the English Interregnum. Charles II became king of Scotland first. However, when Cromwell died in 1658, Charles II was asked back in England and returned to the throne. This was known as the Restoration. Charles was a good leader, aside from the fact he kept secret the fact he was Roman Catholic. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Charles_II_of_England.jpeg -
Act of Settlement 1701
This was an act of England’s Parliament to settle succession to the English throne. This document and the Bill of Rights 1689 remain two of the main constitutional laws regarding succession. The act spread to other European countries after being successful in England. This is under strict conditions and can never be changed unless there’s a major reason for it to. Parliament gained power and more rights and it’s important to England. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Act_of_Settlement_3323.jpg
