Seven Steps to A Limited Monarchy

By isabella.cerio
  • Jun 15, 1215

    Magna Carta

    Magna Carta
    This document is a peace treaty between English nobles and the king. It is the first such document to enforce a relationship in which nobles have power over the king in English history. While it is not enforced during this time period, it provided nobles with a hefty example of what their power could do.

  • The Rise of James VI

    The Rise of James VI
    The ascension of James VI to the throne of England caused much uproar in the English parliament. While parliament had petitioned Elizabeth to name an heir, they had not been expecting it to be a Stuart claimant. Although James VI was a king in his own right and privy to the political world. He was still an outsider in the English Court. He would never be considered a true part of England and thus parliament took advantage of this to take more control.

  • Anglo-Spanish War

    Anglo-Spanish War
    The Anglo-Spanish War was a result of parliamentary pressure. Although Parliament wanted this war to take place, they did not trust the monarchy to do so and thus withheld funds from Charles I. In order to raise these funds Charles I enacted new taxes and laws (such as quartering). This angered nobles and townspeople alike.

  • Parliament meeting of 1628

    Parliament meeting of 1628
    Angered by Charles I's actions Parliament refused to fund him until he acknowledged the Petition of Right. This allowed Parliament to make decisions on public taxes and arrests. Charles, I did not want to agree to the terms but was forced, to prevent civil unrest from worsening.

  • Reinstatement of Parliament

    Reinstatement of Parliament
    The rebellion in Scotland, caused by Charles I's actions during his 'personal' reign, forced Charles I to rebind parliament in order to solve his problem. The parliament seized the chance to gain control of the situation and forced Charles to agree to their political and religious demands.

  • Execution of Charles I

    Execution of Charles I
    Long before his execution Charles I was ousted in 1645 and tried to weasel his way back into the political scene, however, nobles quickly got rid of anybody who showed him sympathy. Finally, after 5 long years, they tried him in a special court and executed him.

  • The Puritan Republic

    The Puritan Republic
    After Charles I's execution, Parliament officially disbanded the monarchy and all related structures and made England into the Puritan republic which remained until 1660