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1215
Magna Carta
In 1215, the English Nobles forced King John to sign the Magna Carta. This limited the power that he had over the wealthy and guaranteed that Englishmen could only be tried and charged under the written laws of England. The Great Council was created, which would soon become known as Parliament. -
King James I has first fight with Parliament
This was the first time that King James I would dispute with Parliament. The first time was because he was raising money for himself, which Parliament disagreed with. This illustrates the tensions between the two governmental parties. Additionally, King James I believed in the divine right of the king, which Parliament did not believe. The same problem was seen between Charles I and Parliament. -
English Civil War
The English Civil War lasted from 1642 - 1651. This war was mainly about religion and governance of England. It was fought between the Parliamentarians and Royalists, and the Parliamentarians ended up winning the war. This allowed for the start of a constitutional monarchy. -
The Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution started with James II. He wanted to take power away from Parliament and make laws about religion that Parliament did not agree with. This led to Parliament taking power away from the monarchy by appointing William III and Mary II in 1689. They both realized the bill that limited their power as monarchs. -
Bill of Rights
At the end of the Glorious Revolution, the English Bill of Rights was created. This was made by Parliament and signed by the monarchs. This was an agreement that limited the power of the monarchy and allowed for Parliament to make more decisions. It consisted of 13 articles listing specific freedoms. This also listed that Roman Catholics could no longer be rulers, opening the door for a Protestant England. -
Act of Toleration
The Act of Toleration was passed by William III and Mary II in order to accept all religions. This meant that it gave freedom to people no matter their religion. This was another step in the direction of allowing Parliament more power, and a more limited monarchy, as they were no longer able to use religion against their subjects. -
England's Act of Settlement
England's Act of Settlement was designed to ensure the next monarch was Protestant. This was connected to the English Bill of Rights which was made to give Parliament more power over the laws and people. The Settlement was a significant move towards a limited monarchy, as it took even more power away from the king/queen.
