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Jun 15, 1215
Magna Carta
First issued in 1215, this document was written by King John's rebellious "robber barons", who forced him to sign it. It challenged the idea of an absolute monarchy in England because it said that the English people had rights that couldn't be infringed. -
Nov 14, 1295
The Creation of the Model Parliament
The English Parliament, composed of the House of Commons and House of Lords, the "Model Parliament" that started current model for the one of today. This assembly included members of the clergy and the aristocracy, as well as representatives from the various counties and boroughs. -
Charles I's Personal Rule
Also known as the Eleven Years Tyranny (ended in 1640), it was when Charles I worked to use his power without turning to Parliament for finances. He worked to conform the Scottish and the English to the Common Book of Prayer. This angered the nobility. -
The Long and Short Parliaments
The Short Parliament was called in the spring of 1640 to raise money to beat the Scottish rebels, when Parliament refused to fund it Charles I cancelled it. The Long Parliament was the second attempt he made later in the year. The Parliament executed his advisers and were divided on how far to take Puritanism. Charles I asked for funds again and used military force to try and get it. When it failed it sparked the English Civil War. -
English Civil War
The English Civil War was fought during Charles I's reign. It was a conflict between the Parliamentarians (led by Oliver Cromwell) and the Royalists (led by King Charles I). The war ended in 1651 with Parliamentarian victory, and England became a republican Commonwealth under Cromwell. -
Glorious Revolution
It was the overthrow of King James II of England by Parliamentarians and William of Orange. William's successful invasion of England with a Dutch fleet and army led to his ascending of the English throne as William III of England. This peaceful transition of power allowed the English Bill of Rights to be signed and marked the first big step into a constitutional monarchy. -
Signing of the English Bill of Rights
It declared that Parliament was above the king in terms of power and laid out the specific liberties subjects should have and limitations rulers should have. It addressed things such as freedom of speech, right to petition the monarch without punishment, etc. This bill solidified that England would become a constitutional monarchy.
