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Aug 22, 1485
The Tudors Rule England 1485-1603
The Tudor monarchs, especially Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, control Parliament tactfully, recognizing and respecting its role in government. -
The Stuart King James I Rules
James I becomes king and immmediately clashes with Parliament. -
James I and Parliament
In 1621, James scolds Parliament for usurping royal power, and Parliament responds with a declaration of its own rights. In the last Parliament of his reign, the aging James gives in to Parliament. -
Stuart King Charles I rules
Charles dissolvess Parliament when it tries to expand powers to deal with an economic crisis. -
Parliament of 1628
The Parliament of 1628 produces the Petition of Right, and later Parliaments clash with Charles over what they charge are violations of the document. Charles dissolves Parliament again. -
The Long Parliament meets
Faced with economic problems and invasions by Scotland, Charles is forced to call Parliament. The long Parliament, as it became known, works to steadily expand its powers. Eventually Charles strikes back, adopting the motto "Give Caesar his Due." -
The English Civil War Rages
War breaks out between Parliament's Roundheads and Charles I's Cavaliers. The parliamentary forces, led by Oliver Cromwell, eventually win. -
Charles I's Death
In 1649, Charles I is executed. -
The English Commonwealth
Abolishing the monarchy and House of Lords, Parliament rules as a commonwealth with Cromwell as leader. -
Cromwell's Death
Commonwealth fals aprt upon Cromwell's death in 1658. -
The English Commonwealth Ends
Problems plague the nation, and the Commmonwealth falls apart upon Cromwell's death in 1658. Groups in favor of monarchy begin to gain power. -
The Monarchy is Restored
Charles II works with Parliament to repair the shattered nation, but clashes with Parliament when he works to restore Catholicism. -
Break with Parliament
In 1678, Charles dissolves Parliament and builds the monarchy's power. His successor, James II, continues to push for Catholic power, and incites a backlash. -
James II
James II flees England in 1688. -
The Glorious Revolution Assures Parliament's Power
William and Mary become England's monarchs with Parliament's blessing- provided that they agree to very limited powers under Parliament's domination.
