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Jan 1, 1485
Crowing of Henry VII
After defeating Richard III, the War of the Roses ended. This is significant because it began the rule of the Tudors, and a tradion of aboslute monarchy in England after a period of conflict. -
Rule of the Stuarts
After the death of Elizabeth (the date on this event), James VI of Scotland takes the throne because there is no heir. Although the monarch had the upper hand in the monarch- Parliament relationship in the seventeenth century, he had to consult both the House of Commons and House of Lords when he need to raise any additional revenue. This relationship change marked the beginning of the Parliaments eventual victory over royal abolutism. -
Beginning of English Revolution
After Parliament demands that the king names ministers whom they can trust and called for a reform to the Church of England, Charles attempts to seize five leaders of the House of Commons. After failing, Charles leaves London and attempts to raise his royal standard at Nottingham. This event is generally considered the beginning of the English Revolution, and marks the large conflict that follows. -
Commonwealth Period
The beginning of the Commonwealth in England, which was basically a military dictatorship with Cromwell at the helm. After winning defeating the King, he put himself on the top of the English government. He had power because of his strong military influences. Eventually he created the title "Lord Protector" for hmself. His rule left England with a sour taste for revolution, and caused them to readjust their views on government. -
Execution of King Charles I
This momentous decision left most of the nation in shock. Never before had anyone executed an English king, and his decision represented the beginning of his tyranical rule. -
Crowning of Charles II
After the tyranny of the ord Protector, England desires a return to the Stuart dynasty. However, this turned back the clocks and left the same unresolvede questions that were present during the rule of Charles I. The role betwen the king and Parliament was still unclear, and needed to be solved. -
Glorious Revoltuion
After the 'invasion' of William of the Netherlands, James stepped down after a nearly bloodless struggle. William and his wife Mary jointly took the throne, finally implementing a limited monarchy. The settlement consisted of the Bill of Rights, Act of Toleration, Mutiny Act, Act of Settlement, and Act of Union. These acts created a clear government, with defined roles of the branches in the government. This is the end of the road to a limited monarchy.
