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1215
Magna Carta in England
Magna Carta helped to prevent absolute monarchs from coming to power in England. Due to the Magna Carta the upper class always had some form of power, and could call upon others if the monarch overstepped their power. It was originally drafted to resolve the civil unrest and end the king’s abuse of power during the time. -
War with Spain - King Charles
Charles I gave substance to the fears of absolutism by forcing his subjects to lend money to the government during a war with Spain, imprisoning men who refused to make these loans, and collecting duties on exports without parliamentary approval. This caused him to fail as an absolute ruler. -
Petition of Rights
The Petition of Rights is a constitutional document that sets out specific liberties of the subjects that the King is prohibited from infringing. This sets boundaries from the King, not allowing him to be absolute, and leads to the Bill of Rights with the rule of William and Mary. -
Establishment of House of Lords
The nobles of English society had a greater influence and say through the House of Lords. The elite protected their interests, and were able to make the King accept them as partners, not just having the King by himself. This differed greatly from how Louis XIV treated the nobility. -
Test Act
This legislation, passed by Parliament in 1673, sought to keep Catholics out of high positions by requiring all government and military officers to swear an oath that they did not believe in transubstantiation. This led to James II resigning from his positions. This restrained the government from being overpowered by a single voice advocating for a single religion, such as what Louis XIV did with Catholicism -
Glorious Revolution
James II is peacefully kicked out as King during the Glorious Revolution. He sought absolutist policies, however they were not well liked. Him being replaced by William and Mary would fortify constitutional monarchy in England. -
William and Mary become rulers of England
During the Glorious Revolution, William III of Orange kicked James II out. Their co-ruling finalized principles of parliamentary government, rule of law, and the right to rebel against tyrants. This solidified the split in absolute monarchies between France and England. There succession is stated in the Bill of Rights.
