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Period: 1200 to
Timeline to a Limited English Monarchy
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Jun 15, 1215
Signing of the Magna Carta
This royal charter recognized universal application of the law and individual rights. It limits royal power by subjecting the King to equal duties to follow the law. This would set the stage for English government as a monarchy, but one that has limits. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=the+magna+carta&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image -
Nov 3, 1534
Creation of the Anglican Church
By creating the Church of England, Henry VIII opened up his successors to a whole new form of criticism. Although at the time it was slightly a concession to the people, it placed a new power in the crown. Religion would eventually play the crucial factor in making a limited monarchy, and therefore the government's initial involvement surely was a catalyst. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=henry+viii&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image -
The Petition of Right
The Petition of Right was a significant request from Parliament to Charles I regarding his respect for the representative body. Although it was ignored, this is precisely what led to the anger which would fuel the Civil War and finally institute a limited monarchy. Resistance to this request pushed the people to take further action against the crown. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=the+petition+of+right&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image -
Long Parliament
Parliament convened after the failed Short Parliament and previously 11 years of not convening, and would stay meeting for another 20 years. This was a sign of the increasing want to limit the monarchs, and put control in the hands of the representatives. It was a drastic use of the representative's power, and would see the whole Civil War, yet another factor in the coming limitations. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=long+parliament&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image -
The English Civil War
The English Civil War resulted in the practice that English rulers could not act without Parliament's success. Parliament showed their power by starting a militia and successfully revolting. This was a pivotal time in establishing the future of government, as the end result was another monarch, however that quickly led to the Glorious Revolution and a formally limited monarch. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=england+civil+war&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image -
The Glorious Revolution
This upheaval within the nation came as a result of Catholic James II extending his influence over parliament (by not calling them into session) and what was considered by the people, overreaching Catholic influence. This was a sign of the people's ability to not only choose what the monarch did, but who they were. This was the final event before a formal constitutional monarchy. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=william+and+mary&title=Special:MediaSearch&go=Go&type=image -
The English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights was the final step in establishing a formal constitutional monarchy. Democracy was empowered through limiting the crown, as well as enhancing elections, freedom of speech, and separation of powers. As a result of the Glorious Revolution, William and Mary saw this come to fruition. https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?search=English+Bill+of+Rights+of+1689&title=Special:MediaSearch&type=image