-
Period: 1215 to
Limited Monarchy in England
A trend in the direction of the supremacy of the British Parliament, culminating in today's limited monarchical role (especially during the Brexit crisis). -
Jun 15, 1215
Signing of the Magna Carta
In 1215, an omnipotent monarch by the name of King John succumbs to the unrelenting hand of his underling nobles, allowing the nobles to have a greater say in affairs, to force the monarch to obey the rule of law, and further give greater protections to the accused (https://www.bl.uk/magna-carta/videos/what-is-magna-carta). -
1422
War of the Roses Parliament
During civil insurrection in Medieval England, the House of Lords, according to the British government today, excluded many royal officials from parliamentary proceedings - only allowing full-fledged nobles to have a say in financial and policy matters and proving to be a check against the King's rule. https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/evolutionofparliament/originsofparliament/birthofparliament/overview/medieval/ -
The Clock Runs Out On Charles
Though not wishing to convene the nobility of Parliament, King Charles needed to under the terms set forth by the Magna Carta in taxation and financial matters. But his omnipotence and lust for power got the best of him, dissolving Parliament for the foreseeable future. His actions led to years of insurrection, culminating in his death at the hands of the House of Commons (information derived from "The Western Heritage Since 1300", Kagan 174-5). *1649 signifies the death of Charles. -
Parliament Despises Cromwell and Appoints Charles II (Own Prerogative)
Though they feared overtaking Cromwell, their anti-Puritan actions (in the eyes of Cromwell, including disbanding his grand army) resulted in the dissolution of Parliament. Their yearning for a return to the former monarchy is emblematic of their hope that Parliament would at least be viable. Their appointment of Charles II speaks to the power they possess in such times. *Derived from Kagan textbook page 175. -
The Glorious Revolution and the English Bill of Rights
Parliament invites William III and Mary II to form a new monarchical administration (which did occur) and forces the incumbent (James II) to step aside. This event, along with the forced signing of protections for Parliament, the people, and restrictions on the monarchy, speaks to the limits the nobles desire in 'reigning in' the royals. *Information derived from page 177 of "The Western Heritage Since 1300." -
The Age of Walpole
Sir Robert Walpole is widely regarded as the first true British Prime Minister. As the primary figure in the House of Commons, he took a particularly strong role in holding the line and further did much of what the monarch used to do, including handle foreign policy. Walpole's new responsibilities demonstrate the first shift toward a parliamentary-dominated policy direction. *Information derived from "The Western Heritage Since 1300" Pages 178-9. -
The Prorogation of Parliament 2019
With the impending exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union, Prime Minister Boris Johnson asked for the Queen to formally suspend Parliament to force through a no-deal exit and have a Queen's Speech on the do-or-die breakout from the EU. Though privately the Queen didn't want to prorogue Parliament, she knows that Parliament has the ultimate say. https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/09/the-queen-had-to-approve-boris-johnsons-parliamentary-gambit/597394/
