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Charles I Dissolves Parliament
Charles I started his reign with the idea that he could rule with his plans and ideas, and shouldn't have to deal with Parliament's opposition to requests. Requests that would aid in war, for example, which was under the King's army. Because of his frustrations with Parliament, Charles I dissolved it for 11 years, ruling independently. -
Growing Distrust of Charles I, Start Of The Civil War
Many English groups had grown to hate Charles I during his 11 year absolutism-attempt. Parliament and their supporters were against his financial choices and resented their inability to assist in running the country. Puritans and other religions were distrustful of his Catholic wife and were suspicious of his Catholic sympathy and religious tolerance. The Civil War was ignited when Charles invaded Parliament, with aims of arresting certain members. But those member escaped and gained an army. -
England Under Cromwell
At the loss of the Civil War, King Charles I was executed. Parliament was victorious and was led by Oliver Cromwell. They turned England into a Puritan Republic, a country that conquered Ireland & Scotland, with Catholic mercy, and with no Parliament. Cromwell disbanded Parliament and called himself Lord Protector, a pseudo for self proclaimed King. His radical rule was violent and strict, leading England to miss the old ways. -
Monarchy Returns
With the death of the dictator, Oliver Cromwell, son of killed Charles I, Charles II was made King. With his was the return of Parliament; Lords and Commons, The Anglican Church and hereditary monarchy. This time, Charles II did not attempt the mistake that was absolutism, like his father did. -
James II Shortly Rules
Despite dissents about his heredity and faith, brother of Charles II, James II, becomes King. He was a Catholic who was rumored to have tried to have Irishmen and Jesuits kill his King brother. The new King James attempted to repeal the Test Act, which stops Catholic rule. When he was rejected, he dissolved Parliament, his big mistake. James II promoted free worship, impression people, and directed his army. His absolutions actions would not be appreciated by the English. -
William & Mary Save The Day
Catholic James II had a Protestant daughter, Mary. And, Mary had a Protestant husband, William of Orange. The English and the awaiting Parliament worked with William and Mary to come in and take England. It was a clean sweep as the English people wanted Protestant and Parliamentary rule again. This time however, Parliamentary and Monarchy shared equal rights over their countries rule. -
Protestant's Forever Reign
The Act Of Settlement reinforced, and continues to enforce, that the English throne will always belong to a Protestant.