Important Events Leading To The Creation of a Limited Monarchy in England

The Magna Carta

Jun 15, 1215

The Magna Carta set the groundwork for the future limitations on the English monarchy. The Magna Carta attempted to limit the power of English kings by forcing them to accept that they were bound by law, by protecting many rights of the English citizens, and by preventing unlawful imprisonment also known as habeus corpus. It made the people of England feel certain their liberties that could not be infringed upon by the overpower of a king.

Establishment of the Parliament

Dec 14, 1241

The Parliament was not deliberately created It developed naturally out of the daily political needs of the English King and his government. It was composed of two houses, the House of Commons, and House of Lords. The members were originally created to be the King's advisers but, later became the main force that challenged his power.

First Act of Supremacy gets passed in England

Nov 1, 1534

Henry VIII separated England from the authority of the Roman Catholic Church. By doing this he ruined any ties that England had with powerful outside authority (the pope). The English government was now managed in both a political and religious aspect by Henry VII. Doing this lead to serious backlash in the final development of a limited monarchy.

English Civil War

Jan 1, 1642

The English Civil War was fought during the reign of Charles I. The war started due to a conflict between the "Parliamentarians" who were led by Oliver Cromwell and the Royalists led by King Charles I. The war came to an end in 1651 and the Parliamentarians came out on top. As a result, England became a Republican commonwealth under the control of Oliver Cromwell. This event and victory was also trivial in increasing the Parliaments power over the monarchy in England.

The Execution of Charles I

Jan 30, 1649

Charles I being executed highlights the breakdown in relationship between The Parliament and The Monarchy. The distinct differences in regards to political policy and religion caused the two to be on different terms. This execution was in a sense the first time the people defeated the monarch. This sparked the beginning of the conquest of the Parliament to being more equal in comparison to the power of the Monarchy.

Publication of the "Two Treaties of Government"

Dec 1, 1689

Two Treaties of Government was published anonymously by the influential thinker John Locke. The book was a general argument against absolute monarchy, and served as a defense for the Glorious Revolution. Locke, did not live in England at the time of the Glorious Revolution but, had strong associations with the Whigs. The book and its points also turned people against the idea of an absolute monarchy which is important because the more people against it the weaker it becomes.

Bill of Rights Being Passed

Dec 16, 1689

In 1689 The Parliament passed the English Bill of Rights in 1689 by having William II and Mary II to sign off on the document. The Bill of Rights declared that Parliament was above the King in terms of power. It also laid out the specific rights the people of England should have such as the right to petition the monarch without punishment, freedom of speech, , and more.It also went over limitations the rulers should have to further support the idea the monarchy should have little power.