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Jun 15, 1215
Nobles force King John to sign the Magna Carta
Promised that church rights would be protected, the nobles wouldn't be imprisoned illegally, justice would be delivered as quickly as possible, and basically stated the the king was not about the law.
Image source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Magna-Carta -
1236
The term Parliament is used, referring to the Great Council
With the establishment of Parliament, and as it claimed the right to approve taxes and raise an army, the power of the monarchy is further diminished. Image source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Medieval_parliament_edward.Jpg -
May 30, 1381
The Peasant's Revolt
Due to the socio-economic tensions born from the Black Plague, as well as the high taxes, being collected to pay for the Hundred Years' War, the peasants of England revolted against their poor conditions and treatment by the wealthy. However, during the duration of the revolt, the Crown continued to turn to Parliament for more funds, further decreasing its prestige. Image source: https://www.britannica.com/event/Peasants-Revolt -
Oliver Cromwell is declared Lord Protector
The relationship between the monarchy and Parliament fractures even further as Britain goes to war with itself, Charles I is executed, and Parliament tries to negotiate with Charles II. As the leader of Parliament, Oliver Cromwell ruled and tried to consolidate power and unite England. Image source: https://www.history.com/topics/british-history/english-civil-wars -
The English Restoration
King Charles II reclaims to the throne promising certain things to Parliament in return. Puritanism lost its momentum, strict moral customs became less common, and politically, England stabilized. However, the monarchy became even more dependent on Parliament's good graces. Image source: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/restoration -
James II becomes king
The brother of Charles II, James II never called Parliament during his rule, acting alone, deposing officials who didn't agree with him, and replacing them with those loyal to him. However, England's nobles became alarmed at his independence and asked William of Orange to invade England and become king. Image source: https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-james-ii-and-vii-1633-1701-portrait-of-king-james-ii-of-england-king-174711986.html -
The Glorious Revolution and the English Bill of Rights
After William and Mary took power, completing the Glorious Revolution, they agreed to sign the English Bill of Rights. This document confirmed that Parliament had the right to collect taxes and raise an army.
Image source: https://www.americanhistorycentral.com/entries/english-bill-of-rights-1689/
