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1215
Parliament Created
The first parliament in England was created with the Magna Carta, which allowed barrons to serve the King in matters of the state. The Provisions of Oxford was drafted to call for regular meetings with representatives from different regions of England. This instituted a check on the monarch's power–albeit weak, as all were appointed by the monarch, rather than elected. But their advisory role provided more representation of the people at court. -
Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is a charter of rights signed by King John, guaranteeing the protection of church rights and protection for the barons from illegal imprisonment, access to swift justice, and limitations on feudal payments to the Crown, to be implemented through a council of 25 barons. It limited the King's power as he was unable to execute who he wanted to freely, for reasons of religion. -
Petition of Right
Charles I signed the Petition of Right for a sum of money, which he needed. it was a statement that ensured the civil liberties of his people. Prior to that, King Charles I had been refused by Parliament to get his wars financed, so he had taxed his people, and quartered soldiers at their homes. The Petition prevented him from doing so in excess. -
English Civil War
During the English Civil War, King Charles I battled Parliament for control over England. The cause of the conflict was Charles I's disregard of Parliament for the raising of funds for military use. Charles I believed in the divine right of kings, but believed Parliament limited this power. The war ended with Parliament taking control of government. -
Glorious Revolution
Parliament gained control over taxation, which previously, under James II and Charles II, had been exercised with little consideration of Parliament. The Revolution occurred due to Poppery, the belief that Catholics were conspiring against the crown. After William of Orange took power, England's bureaucracy and Parliament gained power, and Parliament specifically gained supremacy over the monarch. -
English Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights created a separation of powers, limited the powers of the monarchs of England, and enhanced elements of political efficacy and socialization, including democratic election and freedom of speech. Mary and William of Orange signed the bill, despite the fact that it limited their powers severely. It was a final step in maintaining a controlled, balanced government. -
Commercial Revolution
While the commercial revolution gained momentum, the size of England's middle class increased, which soon became larger than that of any other country in Europe. Because of the greater power that came with the wealth, individuals were able to collectively create joint-stock companies to fund colonies in the Americas, and generate wealth of their own. This lead to decreased power of the monarchs to consolidate power and economic wealth.
