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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
This document is important to consider because it was the first that challenged the authorities of the monarchs, to limit a king;s powers through law. Magna Carta established for the first time the principle that everybody, including the king, was subject to the law. These ideals were integral to the later events that led to a limited monarchy. -
The Petition of Right
This document is important because it challenged many aspects of monarch rule and increased the power of Parliament through requiring that taxes be approved through Parliament. This gave the Parliament more power, leading to less power for Monarchs, which made absolutism challenging to obtain. -
Parliament Established
The first modern parliament was established in 1640, with the purpose of discussing current issues in England. Over the years, parliament would grow to have much control over the country, as many citizens saw it as a way to showcase their voice, which they had not felt under Monarch rule. As Parliament gained more and more power, they usurped power from King and Queens, and prevented absolute monarchies. -
English Civil War ends
The English Civil Wars (1642-1651) stemmed from conflict between the monarch Charles I and Parliament over an Irish insurrection. These wars told who had power and who did not. Parliament ultimately won the war, but this resulted in the death of Charles 1. However, this served to give Parliament much more power. This image depicts the Battle of Naseby, where Parliament won. -
Beginning of the Restoration
The Restoration prompted Parliament to speak up against the centralized power in place between the United Kingdom of England, Ireland, and Scotland. Parliament did not get along with Charles II, who was the ruler of England during the Restoration. -
Habeus Corpus Act is Passed
The Habeas Corpus Act stated that anyone who was taken prisoner by the King would be allowed to have a trial. This prevented monarchs from putting all of their enemies in jail. Parliament was responsible for the passing of this act, which prevented some of the monarch's power. -
James II is Overthrown
James II was considered to be the final absolute monarch in England. Following the Glorious Revolution, the idea of absolutism began to disintegrate in England. James II was followed by the Dutch William III, who worked with Parliament while ruling. This shows how and why England eventually had a parliamentary monarchy.
