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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta
The Magna Cart was a document that was created by the subjects of King John. He was forced to sign this document which was the early signs of the people challenging the King. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Magna_Carta#/media/File:Magna_charta_cum_statutis_angliae_p1.jpg -
Dec 14, 1241
The Establishment of Parliament
About 26 years following the Magna Carta, the monarchy was limited even more in its absolute powers when in 1241, the English Parliament was created. While it was first created so that the members were simply advisors, they were some of the first people to challenge the King's authority. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:England_-_London_-_Parliament_looking_across_bridge_LCCN2006688664.tif -
The English Civil War
Charles I and Parliament went to war over their beliefs on who should have control over the government of England. The country was split in two, people who supported the King, and people who supported Parliament. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Charles_I_of_England#/media/File:Charles_I_by_Daniel_Mytens.jpg -
Gentry
The Gentry was a seperate but equally as important entity as the Parliament. This was made up of about 15,000 people spanning from poor to wealthy, each as equally influential. They all spoke and represented their country when issues were raised. This being a first sign of democracy and limited monarchy when people of all creeds are represented.
The man pictured is Rowland Edgerton-Warburton, a member of the Gentry
commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Gentry#/media/File:Rowland_Egerton-Warburton.jpg -
The Two Treatisies of Government Published
A book that was published (anonymously) by John Locke which stated the issue with complete monarchies and challenged it's ideals.
Pictured is John Locke.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John_Locke_-_%22Father_of_Liberalism%22.jpg -
The Bill of Rights
The passing of the Bill of Rights challenged absolutism because it set out rights of all people that were not established by the king. Parliament passed this by having William and Mary sign the document, this bill challenged the King and established that Parliament has more authority than the king. -
Act of Settlement
This was an act of Parliament to settle the succession to the King. This is the highest rule in England when it comes to succession, from this act Parliament gained more power over the king.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Act_of_Settlement_3323.jpg
