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1215
Creation of the English Parliament
The first English Parliament convenes after King John I is forced to sign the Magna Carta. It consists of barons meeting in the Great Council. -
Queen Elizabeth I comes to power
Queen Elizabeth I's rule was characterized by the monarchy working together with Parliament to pass major policy, creating a precedent of Parliament being actively involved in major affairs of the Crown. -
The Petition of Right
To finance the war with Spain, Charles I was forced to recognize Parliament's Petition of Right, which required all loans and taxations to be approved by Parliament, among other things. -
The Militia Ordinance
When Charles I tried to invade Parliament and get rid of opposition ministers, the House of Commons passed the Militia Ordinance, giving Parliament permission to raise its own army. -
Execution of Charles I
Charles I is executed, and for the next ten years England is a Puritan republic without a monarch, dominated by Oliver Cromwell. The monarchy, House of Lords, and Anglican church were all abolished. -
The Glorious Revolution
James II had dissolved Parliament upon coming into power and attempted to turn the monarchy into an absolute one like in France. Parliament invited William III of Orange to invade England, and James flees to France. William and his wife Mary restore the British Parliament. -
Sir Robert Walpole comes to power
Robert Walpole came to power based on popular support and control over the House of Commons. He created an English state based on seeking peace abroad and maintaining the status quo at home, and held significant political power from his position in Parliament. Often considered the first "prime minister".