Triumph of Parliament over the Absolute Monarchy

King John I signs the Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

When King John signed the Magna Carta, the power of the English monarch was limited for the first time. This group of documents forced John to agree, that although he was the monarch, he was still subject to the laws of his kingdom. Most importantly, these documents took from the Monarch the power to independently increase taxes. He now had to consult the group that would eventually evolve into Parliament in order to do this. Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/wesscott/3420797416/'

King Edward I's ascension to the throne

Aug 2, 1274

Edward’s ascension to the throne is important because during his reign, he would have his subjects submit complaints directly to parliament. This practice established an early and strong connection between Parliament and personal participation in the Government. Later, Parliament would have such great success because it represented the people and acted based on their needs.
Image Source:
http://subjonctif.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/throne.jpg

The Summoning of the Reformation Parliament

Jan 1, 1529

The Reformation Parliament was vital to Parliaments rise to power. During this Parliament, Parliament passed judgment on many unprecedented issues and met for impressive periods of time. Both of these facts allowed parliament to gain considerable stature and sway. One of the most important things they did was outlaw papal authority, something only a strong institution could effectively accomplish.
Image Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22351461@N00/419505299/'

The Formation of the Church of England

Oct 21, 1534

By forming the Church of England and making the monarch the leader of it, Henry VIII increased the religious diversity in England and made the Monarchy the target of religious unrest. At one point Queen Mary reestablished Catholicism and at another, the Puritans led a revolt to rid England of a Catholic Monarch. The Monarchy could not survive when it was tied to only one of the many popular ideas of its subjects. Image Source:
http://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk/images/stewart/henry_viii.jpg

The Calvinist Scots Lead a Revolt

Jan 1, 1639

This revolt forced Charles to call Parliament into session. If he had not needed to raise funds for this war, he may have been able to avoid assembling Parliament long enough to cripple it. This event led to the very important Long Parliament. Image Source:
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The Long Parliament Begins

Nov 3, 1640

This Parliament pushed across numerous Acts that established itself as a permanent future power. During this 13 year meeting, it was decided that there would be no more royal courts and that Parliament would meet regularly every three years and have power over taxes. During this period, Parliament secured its place alongside the Monarch. Image Source:
http://www.westminster-explained.com/images/old/parliament3[1].jpg

Passing of the English Bill of Rights

Dec 1, 1689

This Act destroyed the chance that England would become an Absolute Monarchy. Parliament effectively chose the King and Queen after years of fighting with the Stuarts. Parliament made it clear in this document how limited the British monarchy really had become. Image Source:
http://www.books-about-california.com/Images/Sculpture_Palaces_and_Courts/Victory.jpg