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Century of a Revolution Begins
Queen Elizabeth died childless, so her relative James Stuart took the throne. However, the Stuarts weren't as popular as the Tutors nor as skillful dealing with Parliament. As a result, this led to revolution with Stuart against Parliament. -
The Stuarts issue a Challenge
The first Stuart monarch James I had agreed to rule laws and customs. James repeatedly clashed with Parliament over money nd foriegn policy. He only wanted funds to finance his court and wage wars. -
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Parliament Triumphs in England
Despite attempts by English monarchs to increase royal authority, Parliament steadily expanded its own influence. Parliament approved the act of Supremacy, making the monarch head of the Church of England. -
Parliament Responds
Like his father, Charles behaved like an absolute monarch. By 1628, his need to raise taxes forced Charles to summon Parliament. Parliament insisted that he signs the petition of right, but Charles did sign the petition but later resolves Parliament in 1629 -
Parliament's Response (After)
After Parliament's response, his need to raise taxes forced Charles to summon Parliament. This document stated that the king is prohibited from raising taxes without Parliament's consent or from jailing anyone without legal justification. However, Charles dissolved Parliament and ruled for 11 years without Parliament. -
Parliament Responds (After)
Through the 11 years, Charles ruled the nation without Parliament. During that time, he created bitter enemies, especially Puritan. -
Puritans Gain Power in England
Puritans who lived in Massachusets Bay Colony woked to put into action their own ideas about religion and government. They began to set up schools, such as Harvard and Latin schools in 1636. -
Parliament Responds (After)
Charles and Laud tried to impose the Anglican prayer book on Scotland. The Calvinist Scots revolted. To get funds to supress the Scottish rebellion, Charles had to once again summon Parliament. When it met, Parliament launched it's own revolt. -
The Long Parliament Begins
Parliament became known as "Long Parliament" because it lasted on and off until 1653. These events triggered one of the greatest political revolution in English history. Parliament later tried and executed his chieg ministers, including Achbishop Laud. -
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Fighting a Civil War
The forces of Parliament were composed of country gentry,
town-dwelling manufacturers, and Puritan clergy. Civil wars played a major challenge to absolutism, but while the forces of royal power won in France, in England the forces of revolution triumphed. -
Caveliers and Roundheads
At first, the odds seemed to fear the supporters of Charles I, called caveliers. Many caveliers were wealthy nobles and were proud of their hat and long hair. -
Fighting a Civil War
Cronwell's army defeated the Cavaliers in a series of battle. By 1647, the king later found himself in the hands of Parliamentary forces. -
Charles' Reign Finishes
War breaks out between Parliament, roundheads, and Charles I's Cavaliers. The Parliamentary forces, led by Oliver Cromwell, eventually won. In 1649, Charles I was executed. -
Challenging the Common Wealth
The new government faced many threats. Cromwell led forces into Ireland and brutally crushed the uprising. Later, Parliament passed a law exiling most Catholics to barren land in the west of Ireland. Any Catholic found disobeying this order, will be killed on sight. -
Long Parliament Meets
Faced with ecomic problems and invasions by Scotland, Charles is forced to call Parliament. The Long Parliament works to steadily expand it's power. Eventually, Charles strikes back, adopting the motto "Give Caesar his due" -
The Commonwealth Ends
Oliver Cromwell dies in 1658. Soon after, the Puratins lost their grip on England. Many people grew tired of military rule and strict Puritan ways. -
The Commonwealth Ends
A newly elected Parliament invited Charles II to return to England from exile. Yet Puritan ideas about Morality, government, and education endured. In the following century, these ideas would play an important role in shaping the future of Britian's colonies in the Americas. -
James II takes the Throne
Brother of Charles, James II inherited the throne in 1685. He practiced his Catholic faith openly. He angered his subjects by suspending laws on a whin and appointing Catholics to high office. -
James II is Forced to Flee
His reign alarmed Parliamentary leaders. As a result, James II fled to France. Because of the bloodless overthrow of the king, this event was known as the Glorious Revolution. -
The English Bill of Rights
Before they could be crowned, William and Mary had to accept several acts passed by Parliament in 1689. It ensured the superiority of Parliament over the monarchy. It required the Monarch to summon Parliament regulary and gave the house of commons the "Power of the Purse."
