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Reign of Charles I
Charles I strived for an absolute monarchy. He raised money by implementing taxes without Parliament's consent. He would dissolve Parliament, only to convene it again when he needed the funds. He was unpopular among his subjects as well, since he violated their individual rights by quartering soldiers in their homes. -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right was a document produced by Parliament that outlined which individual rights the king could not violate. It was one of the first attempts to limit the king's power. -
Charles I's Invasion of Parliament
After the "Grand Remonstrance" was approved by Parliament, King Charles I invaded Parliament intent on arresting five of his chief opponents. He fails to capture them and leaves to form his own army. The English Civil War breaks out with Oliver Cromwell leading the Parliamentary forces. (Pictured) -
Reign of Charles II
Cromwell's military dictatorship did not prove to be any better than Charles'. England was ready to return to a monarchy and invited Charles II to take the throne. This was important because the people were choosing to give power to a monarch. -
Reign of James II
James II favored Catholics and dissolved Parliament. He also strove to follow absolutist policies. The Englsih did not want an autocratic ruler and hoped that he would be seceeded by his Protestant daughter, Mary. When James II had a son, the Parliamentary opposition invited Mary and her husband, William of Orange, to invade England to preserve the parliamentary government. This is important because the people wanted the power shared between parliament and a king. -
Reign of William III and Mary II
William received popular support when he arrived in England. After James II fled to France, William III and Mary II took the throne. They passed the Bill of Rights that limited the powers of the monarchy and guarenteed the people's rights. From then on, monarchs would be subject to the law and would rule with Parliament's approval. The Bill of Rights was a crucial step to England becoming a limited monarchy. It insured that a king could never monopolize power again. -
Rule of Sir Robert Walpole
Walpole is considered to be the first prime minister of England.. He maintained peace abroad and promoted the status quo at home. Under Walpole, England's foreign trade flourished and the government stayed out of local politics. This increased the number of people willing to participate in local government. The freedoms of speech and association, along with religious toleration helped England become not only a European power, but a world power as well.
