-
James I Ascends the Throne
James I sought to create an absolute monarchy, and tried to do so by using impositions (custom duties) as a way to raise funds without Parliament. This angered wealthy nobles in England. Additionally, Jame's court became known for corruption, leading many English to mistrust the monarchy. James also exacerbated religious tension by denouncing puritans at the Hampton Court Conference, and by showing favoritism towards Catholics. James' rule left his subjects suspicious of the monarchy. -
Long Parliament
The Long Parliament was summoned by Charles I in 1640 because he needed to raise funds for war (which they refused to grant him). During the first two years, the Parliament abolished courts that had been enforcing the king's laws, banned new taxes without its consent, and mandated that Parliament should meet at minimum every three years. These rules established a basis for the later Bill of Rights, which solidified England as a limited monarchy. -
Charles I Executed
The execution of Charles I at the end of the English Civil War led directly to the abolishment of the monarchy and the establishment of England's puritan republic under Oliver Cromwell. While Cromwell's dictator-like rule led to the reinstatement of the monarchy, it did prove that England didn't need a monarch to govern it and raised the idea that parliamentary influence was beneficial to block a tyrannical ruler. -
An Act for the abolishing the Kingly Office in England and Ireland, and the Dominions thereunto belonging.
Following several years of civil war between the Cavaliers (supporters of the king) and the Roundheads (supporters of Parliament) a reorganized Parliament led by Oliver Cromwell, with the support of Scotland, formally passed an act abolishing monarchy in England. (This Parliament also abolished the House of Lords and the Anglican Church.) In the short-term, the act led to England being a republic for a few years. In the long-run, the reinstated monarchy was weakened and subjected to Parliament. -
William III lands in England
Angered by James II's Roman Catholicism and worried by the birth of his Catholic son, Parliament invited William III of Holland to come to England with his army and ascend the throne with his wife, Mary II. The rule of William and Mary saw the adoption of a Bill of Rights, which stipulated that monarchs had to consult with Parliament before suspending or executing laws, and that Parliament had to convene at least once every 3 years. -
Act of Settlement
The Act of Settlement was passed by Parliament in 1701 to prevent a Catholic from taking the crown. This resulted in George, Elector of Hanover becoming king. (George's rule saw the emergence of Robert Walpole.) The Act reinforced the Bill of Rights and also restricted the power of the crown, stating that monarch's couldn't declare war without Parliamentary approval, and judges were to be appointed on merit rather than royal patronage. -
Robert Walpole Rises to Power
Under George I, Robert Walpole becomes chancellor of the Exchequer (minister of finance, a powerful position) on this date. Robert Walpole grew in power thanks to his exemplary speech and political abilities, and came to control Parliament for decades, earning him the (albeit unofficial) title of Britain's first Prime Minister. His rise to power indicated how far power had shifted in Britain from the monarchy to Parliament.
