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Charles I Becomes King
Son of King James VI of Scotland (James I of England), Charles ascends to the throne as Charles I. From the beginning, his reign was marked by constant arguments with Parliament.
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Charles Dissolves Parliament
After initially agreeing to Parliament's Petition of Right, Charles I proceeded to dissolve Parliament in order to allow him greater freedom in his rule. With this power, he teamed with Archbishop Laud to enact stricter religious conformity in future years.
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Rebellions in Scotland
Due to attempts by King Charles I and his advisor Archbishop Laud to conform Scotland to England's episcopal system, the Scottish eventually rebelled, forcing Charles to reconvene Parliament for help to fund the war. This occurred twice, once as the Short Parliament (which Charles quickly dissolved), and once as the Long Parliament, which would witness his execution. Had this not occurred, Charles I may not have been forced to call Parliament.
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English Civil War
After refusing to give Charles I an army to face the Scottish rebellion, Parliament was invaded by Charles and his milita. Parliament proceeded to raise a milita of its own, leading to the English Civil War. Supporters of the king were known as Cavaliers and the opposition the Roundheads.
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James II Becomes King
After the death of Charles II (who was king when monarchy in England was restablished), he left James II to rule England. Much as Charles I, James quickly became unpopular with Parliament by repealing the Test Act, dissolving Parliament, and supporting Catholicism. These actions would lead Parliament to support the Glorious Revolution.
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Glorious Revolution
Due to James II's unpopular actions and his support of the absolutist monarchy of Louis XIV, Parliament supported his sister Mary and her husband William III of Orange, who opposed absolutism, and allowed him to invade England.
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William and Mary Become Monarchs
William III of Orange and his wife Mary are crowned monarchs of England with Parliament's support as James II fled to France. As monarchs, they introduced the Bill of Rights, which limited the English monarchy's powers and ensured civil liberties to the privileged.
William and Mary
