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1215
King John agrees to the Magna Carta
In 1215 King John signed the Magna Carta which restored the internal political balance in the English state. -
Long Parliament
The landowners and puritans resented the king, so when the Long Parliament was created, and had widespread support. -
Short Parliament
In 1640 Charles, with insufficient resources for war was forced to call Parliament. The parliament refused even to even consider the funds until the king agreed to redress a long list of political and religious grievances. As a result, Charles dissolved that Parliament. This led to the creation of the Long Parliament. -
English Civil War
The English Civil War emerged between Roundheads and Cavaliers and it was won by the parliament, under Oliver Cromwell. However, people started resenting Cromwell's puritan beliefs and were ready to restore the monarchy. -
James II Becomes King
After Charles II died, James II became king. James wanted to pursue absolutist policies like Louis XIV. -
Mary II and William III Become Monarchs
The Parliament, opposing James, invited William to invade England. When he did, he was met with support. James fled to France and the Parliament declared Mary II and William III monarchs. -
Bill of Rights
William and Mary recognized a Bill of Rights that limited the powers of the monarchy. England’s monarchs would be subject to law and would rule by the consent of Parliament.