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Jun 15, 1215
The Magna Carta and establishment of Parliament
The first steps of England in establishing a limited monarchy: In 1215, after noble rebellions the king was forced to accept this document and the creation of Parliament, even though it would limit his power. Ultimately the ceration of Parlaiment throguh this document lead to centuries of struggle between the two governing bodies for centuries to come. -
Oliver Cromwell
After the civil war and execution of King Charles, Oliver Cromwell ruled not as a monarch but as a brutal dictator hiding under the mask of a republic. His rule was significant in creating a constitutional monarchy because after his rule people were glad to accept a monarch as the head of state rather than a dictator but wary of an absolute ruler. This was an ideal situation for Parliament to take root because they limited the power of the monarch. -
King James and Parliament 1605-- the rest of his reign over England
King James VI viewed Parliament as a lower court for him to control and manipulate while they saw themselves as equal rulers. This problem continued throughout his rule as financial problems grew and tensions between the two of them mounted. "The Great Contract" was created to combat the growing debt and financial problems. This was an act of Parliament that the King was forced to accept, accepting the power of Parliament and their responsibility to solve his financial problems. -
Petition of Right
The Petition of RIght was issued by Parliament to King Charles I after he overstepped his power and ignored Parliament when they refused to fund a war of his. This Petition outlined the rights of the kind and civil liberties of the people that the king could not infringe on. This was a major step toward the civil war and a significant moment where Parliament challenged the rule of the King and made him accept their terms. -
English Civil War
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The English Civil War
The English Civil war was fought between supporters of King Charles, cavaliers and Parliament's army over the governance of England. In the end, Parliament won but they failed to establish a republic and Cromwell became a dictator-like figure. King Charles was executed which was a pivotal moment for their fight against the monarchy. Moving forward, this was could not kill the monarchy because after Cromwell's death people were eager to have a stable monarch in power. -
Bill of Rights
This act of Parliament not only outlined rights of the citizens of England but it also limited and controlled the power of the monarchy. Specifically, this bill outlined inheritance to the throne. William and Mary also took the throne at this time which further cemented Parliament's say in not only the power of the ruler but also who the upcoming leader is. -
Glorious Revolution
Most historians agree that the Glorious Revolution was the final step to establishing a constitutional monarchy in England. William worked with Parliament to establish the planned overthrowing King James II and his taking control of England. This was a deliberate act of Parliament to control the monarchy after they faced a period of a corrupt and irresponsible king.
