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1550
War More Expensive
War became more expensive as weapons and military tactics improve. Kings had to find ways of getting money, and Parliament was the best legal way. -
James I Rebuffs Puritans
James I shows support for Anglicans instead of Puritans. This creates a larger divide in the people, and it would be harder to have a complete monarchy over a divided people. -
King James Bible Released
A new version of the Bible deepens the divide and more people are angry with the king. This means less people will cooperate with taxes not established by parliament. It would also be harder to rule over them without a body which holds representatives so they feel as if they have a say. -
George Villiers named Duke
George Villiers was named the first Duke of Buckingham. King James I kept a very scandalous and corrupt court. Naming Villiers duke fed into that and Parliament failed to trust the monarch. This led to laws being passed to guarantee Parliament's involvement in laws. -
Petition of Right Passed
This petition made it illegal for the king to collect taxes without the consent of Parliament. Wars could not be fought and the country could not be expanded if there was no money. This forced Parliament into decisions an absolute monarch could make by themselves. -
Scottish Rebellion
The Scots rebelled in 1640 and Parliament was called. The continuous need to call Parliament for money in a war increased their importance. England continued to go towards a parliamentary monarchy. -
Militia Ordinance Passed
The House of Commons passed the Militia Ordinance so Parliament could form a militia. Giving the Parliament the power to go after the king proves absolutism failed. Other areas of the government were not being repressed and could help Parliament in running the country.
