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Period: Jan 1, 1200 to
Timeline to Limited Monarchy in England
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Jan 1, 1215
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta was signed by King John. It states that his will wasn't absolute and that there were certain librities guaranteed to non-serfs.This document limited the power of the monarch and implies a set of rights of the people. Many later documents that fight against absolute moanrchy share the same ideas.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Magna_Carta.jpg -
English Civil War
The English Civil War (1642-1651) was a war between the Roundheads, supporters of Parliment, and the Cavaliers, supporters of the king. The first two wars ended with the executation of Charles I and the third resulted in Charles II being exiled. Parliment displayed real power during the civil war and evetually won. They set up the Commonwealth of England to replace the monarchy.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:English_Civil_War_Map_1642_to_1645.PNG -
Commonwealth of England & The Protectorate
The Commonwealth of England was an attempt to abolish the monarchy for good. From 1653 to 1659 it's more accurately called the Protectorate because Oliver Cromwell was Lord Protector. Parliment was more of a figure head during that time. Cromwell's rule was harsh and much like a military leader and people hated it. Because of Cromwell's rule people were open and willing to go back to a monarchy.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Oliver_Cromwell_Gaspard_de_Crayer.jpg -
Act of Habeas Corpus
The Act of Habeas Corpus 1679 was a bill that supported the right to go to court and be tried before conviction. It was passed under Charles II's rule. It was created as a precaution for James II, a Catholic, succeeding Charles II.
http://www.bl.uk/onlinegallery/takingliberties/staritems/25habeascorpusact.html -
Glorious Revolution
The revolution was sparked by James II newborn male heir that usurped Mary's position in the line of succession. The problem with the usurping was that James II would raise his son Catholic while Mary and William, her husband, were Protestants. Out of fear of a Catholic succession Parliment invited William to invade England. Once Mary and William succeeded to the throne they signed bills limiting the power of the monarchy.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:William_III_of_England.jpg -
James II Had a Son
James II was a Catholic, which upset most Protestants. His lack of a legitimate male heir reassured people that his Protestant daughter, Mary, would succeed him, but with the birth of his son, James Francis Edward Stuart, people feared a Catholic succession was guarenteed. That fear pushed a group of Protestants to invite William of Orange, Mary's husband, to invade England.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Portrait_of_James_Francis_Edward_Stuart_by_Antonio_David.jpg -
The Bill of Rights
The Bill of Rights 1689 was signed by William III and Mary II once they took the English throne. The bill limited the powers of the monarchy and established the rights of Parliment. It also reestablished Protestant's right to bear arms in defense. William and Mary were the start of limited monarchy in England.
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:English_Bill_of_Rights_of_1689.jpg
