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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta is signed
The Magna Carta established a set of baseline freedoms that protected citizens (barons in particular) from an oppressive monarchy. The Magna Carta took away a substantial amount of power from the King (and rest of the monarchy) and put in place a foundation for a more constitutional monarchy in England for years to come. -
Petition of Right is passed
The Petition of Right established more civil liberties for the subjects of the English crown, and was sent by Parliament to Charles I in 1628. It established safeguards against arbitrary arrests, and gave people more rights during trials. Although it was ultimately disregarded by Charles I, the Petition of Right was a step in the right direction. -
Long Parliament convenes
The Long Parliament was a Parliament that was routinely in session from 1640 to 1660. This gave the Parliament more power, and prepared England for the increased role Parliament began to play in the centuries to come. -
Charles I defeated in the Battle of Naseby
Charles I's defeat at the Battle of Naseby was a decisive victory for the supporters of Parliament (Roundheads) and Parliamentary democracy. This battle was a turning point for the supporters of Oliver Cromwell, and those who wanted more religious and civil liberties granted to them in England. -
Charles I executed
Charles I was executed by the order of the Parliament that was controlled by Oliver Cromwell and the Roundheads. This struck a blow at the chances of England ever embracing an absolute monarch and led to the solidification of parliamentary rule in England. -
English Bill of Rights is passed
The English Bill of Rights severely limited the ability of the monarchy to limit the free speech of its subjects. It also further reduced the power of the King and Queen in England and reinforced parliamentary rule. It also expanded democratic elections to a higher proportion of the English populace. -
Walpole gains power in Parliament
Sir Robert Walpole's ascent to power was supported by the monarchy, however his rule cemented the power of the English Parliament over the English crown. This is due to the fact that he was incredibly effective at passing policies through Parliament during his rule and transferred the center of power in England from a relatively weak monarch, to a strong, effective Parliament with Walpole at its helm.
