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King James VI of Scotland inherits the English Throne as King James I
James VI inherited the English throne. James followed the doctrine of the divine right of kings, so he levied excessive customs duties without parliament's consent. Parliament had lost the authority they had over the flow of money in government, so they were angsty, precipitating the Civil war that eventually led to the installation of William and Mary, and limited monarchy in Europe. (Kagan et al. 134).
Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:James_I,_1566-1625_RMG_BHC2796.tiff -
King Charles I Recognizes Parliament's Petition of Right
King Charles I recognized the Petition of Right, which established certain rights of Parliament, including to consent to all loans instated and taxes levied. The document outlawed random imprisonment and civilian quartering of troops. Here, parliament first advocated consistently for their right to a role in government, and displayed a resistance to absolutism ultimately resulting in a limited monarchy later. (Kagan et al. 135)
Image: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Petition_of_Right.jpg -
Charles I adjourns Parliament, Embarking on an Eleven Year "Personal Rule"
A desire to avoid financial negotiations with parliament caused Charles I to rule "personally". Yet, because Charles I was insistent on abolishing religious pluralism in England and Scotland, there was nearly a Scottish Rebellion. Charles ended his personal rule in 1640 to raise war funds. This led directly to the Short and Long Parliaments, the English Civil War, and thus limited monarchical government. (Kagan et al. 135-137)
Image: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_I_of_England -
The Short and Long Parliaments Convene
Charles I called parliament in 1640 but ended it soon after because parliament demanded that their grievances be addressed. Parliament’s resistance to the King shows resistance to and led to the failure of absolutism, and the institution of a limited monarchy. The same year, Long Parliament began its 20-year existence, instituting many reforms that permanently ended the age of absolutist monarchies. (Kagan et al. 135–137).
Image:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Long_Parliament.jpg -
House of Commons Passes Militia Ordinance
In its early years, the Long Parliament instated the Militia Ordinance. This ordinance legally allowed parliament to have its own army. This helped develop a limited monarchy as Parliament was now ready to fight in the civil war against supporters of the king. Ultimately, this war led to the institution of Oliver Cromwell, and eventually, to the Glorious Revolution and instalment of William and Mary. (Kagan et al. 137).
Image:https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Naseby.jpg -
Charles I Executed
In 1649 Charles I was executed publicly. The parliament then did away with the Anglican church, the monarchy, and the house of lords, three events instrumental in the creation of absolutist monarchies in England. This led directly to the rule of Oliver Cromwell, the Glorious Revolution, and the creation of the limited English monarchy with William and Mary. (Kagan et al. 137).
Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Houghton_Portrait_File_-_Charles_I_of_England_beheaded.jpg -
Union of Parliament and William of Orange overthrows King James in the “Glorious revolution”
English aristocrats sent for William of Orange to overthrow King James I. William did just that with Queen Mary, his wife. This represents the last straw of absolutism: England was so fed up that they ordered the installation of a limited monarchy via William and Mary. The Glorious Revolution most directly resulted in the development of a limited monarchy in England. (Stewart)
Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_of_Orange_III_and_his_Dutch_army_land_in_Brixham,_1688.jpg
