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Jul 24, 1567
James VI becomes King of England
James' reign was the root of many of the tensions that later led to the civil war and the reshaping of England's government, He entered his reign with the staunch goal of maintaining absolute rule over England- and part of that goal was not calling Parliament into session. He created the tradition of "impositions", taxes, that allowed him to fund the governemnt without funding from Parliament. This created a power struggle that would lead to both sides attempting to assert their power. -
Thomas Wentworth becomes adviser to King Charles
Wentworth urged Charles to adopt James' tactics for preventing Parliament from assembling. He found ways to increase the efficiency of the government, and he exploited different fundraising methods. The delay in calling Parliament into session urged Parliament to take drastic actions as soon as it was assembled again, lest it not have another opportunity. -
Treaty of London Signed
In 1604, the English and the Spanish signed an accord that ended the Anglo-Spanish war. While a political victory, the peace also disturbed religious peace in England. Protestants in England became concerned with James' sympathies towards Catholicism, causing them to shun the Crown's power and distrust the King. This would, in part, eventually lead to a bill of rights being passed that would prohibit the King from enacting laws or agreements without Parliaments express appoval. -
Scottish Rebellion
In 1639, the Scottish rebelled against the English due to religious differences as the King attempted to spread Anglicanism to the Catholic Scotland. This conflict forced Charles to call Parliament into session. Parliament took this opportunity to reassert its power, even taking the military away from the King. In the ensuing months, England crept closer to a Civil War between Absolute Monarchy and Republicanism. -
Charles Attacks Parliament
In 1642, Charles attacked Parliament in order to arrest five critics of the crown. They escape and Parliament raises its own army to rebuff Charles, beginning the English Civil War. This conflict gave England a taste under both royal and representative rule. -
Louis XIV named King of France
In May 14, 1643, Louis XIV began his reign over France. While his actions had great impact of France, he also had influence in England. Louis' reign was marked by his absolute control over his Kingdom. His power inspired the Staurt Kings to seek the same level of control over England, -
Oliver Cromwell becomes Lord Protector of England
Cromwell became the leader of the Roundheads, and eventually Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland. His genocidal, iron-fisted rule soured the English on Parliamentary rule. When Cromwell died, the English were happy to restore the more peaceful monarchy, though now they had the power to institute conditions.
