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Aug 2, 1100
Charter of Liberties
King Henry I issues the Charter of Liberties, granting more rights to both noblemen and common citizens. This proclamation greatly influenced the authors of the Magna Carta. Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons -
May 15, 1215
Signing of the Magna Carta
King John signs the Magna Carta, the first document to be forced upon an English king that limited their power. The document outlined the rights of freemen in England, including outlawing false imprisonment and ensuring the king was bound by English law. Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons -
English Civil War
The English Civil War breaks out. Charles I fears for his safety and is unable to enforce his law, and retreats to Northern England. Citizens and militias begin taking sides: Parliamentarians, led by Oliver Cromwell, or the King. The war goes on for four years. After enlisting the help of the Scots, but failing, Charles I is put on trial. Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons -
Execution of Charles I
Charles I is executed for high treason after refusing any possibility of a constitutional monarchy. The Parliamentarians holding him were willing to let him live and ascend the throne if he made some concessions, but he refused.This was the first, but not the last, death of a monarch during the transition to a limited monarchy. Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons -
Oliver Cromwell Becomes Lord Protector
After a period of being ruled by the House of Commons, former army leader Oliver Cromwell ascends the throne, and is nearly as bad a dictator as Charles I. He disbands Parliament completely, and passed several laws against Catholics. As leader of the army, he brutalized thousands of Catholics including priests. Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons -
Glorious Revolution
William of Orange, a Dutch nobleman, launches an attack on England. His wife Mary was the heir to King James II until the birth of his son. James II was a Catholic tyrannical ruler hated for his pro-French tendencies and his absolutist goals. William and his wife Mary ruled as co-regents after the war, which was brief and bloodless compared to the civil war. Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons -
Enactment of the Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights is enacted by William and Mary. The Bill of Rights had incorporated many of the ideas of the great philosopher John Locke. It gave parliament more power, further checking the power of the monarch. The Bill of Rights remained as law for centuries, and parts of it are still considered as central to the English constitution. Image Source: Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons
