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Period: Oct 21, 1200 to
7 Steps
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Jun 15, 1215
Signing of the Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was the first document to ever keep the power of royalty in check. Before, the King could enact any laws he wished with no fear of repercussions. Although the document did little, it was a starting point for limited monarchy. -
Oct 21, 1215
Establishment of Parliament
After the Magna Carta was drafted, Parliament was established in order to keep the king in check. As time went on, Parliament gained more and more power as royally born lost theirs. -
Jul 9, 1553
Ascension of Mary Tutor to the Throne
After the death of Henry VIII, the country was thrown into a period of great upheaval due to conflicting religions in the nation. This showed how problematic shifting loyalties of royalty could be on citizens. -
Gunpowder Plot
The Gunpowder Plot was a plot to blow up the House of Lords and kill James I. Although it was unsuccessful, it showed how unhappy regular people were with the King, considering what lengths they would go to to get rid of them. -
Petition of Right
The Petition of Right was the first document that allowed laws to be completely bypassed by both the King and Parliament, allowing the people to have a nominal amount of power to themselves. -
English Civil War
The English Civil War pitted some of the country against the King, and Parliament had been a worthy apponent, as neither at this point had absolute power. -
The Glorious Revolution
This was a bloodless coup to overthrow King James II of England. The result was establishing William and Mary as joint rulers, who reported heavily to Parliament and, thus, the people.
