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Period: 1500 to
Events leading to the limited monarchy
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James I ascends throne
After Elizabeth I's death, James, a man who believed in the "divine right of kings," became the king of England. While Elizabeth did occasionally call Parliament into session, James entirely refrained from doing this, in his unsuccessful attempt to establish an absolute monarchy in England. -
England's peace with Spain
James I's sympathy towards Catholics, in a mainly Protestant England, leads to conflict within the government. When he makes peace with Spain, he challenges the Protestant members of Parliament and Protestant citizens of England. This results in English turmoil. -
The Grand Remonstance
The Grand Remonstrance was a document of grievances against King Charles I. King Charles I refused to give a response at first, and the Parliament printed copies of the grievances to further propagate distrust and dislike of the king. The Parliament's decision to print without the king's approval created a governmental division. -
English Civil War
War between the Cavaliers (supporters of the monarchy), and the Roundheads (supporters of Parliament). The Roundheads won with support from Scotland and Oliver Cromwell, an English jester. Parliament's new power over the monarchy crippled the king permanently. -
Charles I's Execution
Parliament decides that Charles I should be executed, and this event marks the temporary abolition of the monarchy. Under Cromwell, the Puritan Republic thrived, until his death in the 1650s. -
Test Act passed
The Test Act is passed in Parliament, which was designed to limit the power of Charles II's brother, James, who had become a Catholic. Catholics could not sign the Test Act, and were thus kept out of governmental affairs. This act yielded more power to Parliament and weakened the monarchy. -
William III and Mary II ascend the English throne
William and Mary ascend the throne and initiate the Glorious Revolution. William and Mary agreed to a limited monarchy, and accepted the English bill of rights. Parliament was required to meet every three years, and this established a limited monarchy with shared parliamentary power in England.
