06 04 parliment

A Limited Monarchy

By souza.a
  • Charles I Coronated

    Charles I Coronated

    Charles' absolute and religiously tumultuous rule led to little support for him during his reign. His constant calling and dismissal of parliament led parliament to draft the Petition of Rights, which he soon neglected. After dismissing parliament yet again, Charles I entered what is known as his "Personal Rule," during which he refused to call parliament and England was plagued with economic and religious turmoil. After tensions with parliament continued, Charles was eventually beheaded.
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    English Civil War

    The English Civil War, following the beheading of Charles I, represented a fight for the heir of the English crown and disagreements over the balance of power between the Parliament and Monarch. Coming out victorious was Oliver Cromwell, a military commander for the Parliament in the war.
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    Interregnum and the Commonwealth of England

    During this period, Oliver Cromwell ruled England as Lord Protector, pushing through a series of domestic reforms in religious tolerance and educational reform. Cromwell worked well with Parliament in the beginning, as he has ensured it was composed of his own supporters. However, when his own power was put in question, Cromwell dissolved Parliament. Upon his death and his son's failure to continue his dynasty, England returned to the monarchal system as it had been before.
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    The Stuart Restoration

    The Stuart Reformation, marked by the reigns of Charles II and James II, represents a return to the classic English monarchy that had been in power before the English Civil War. Plagued by economic hardship, religious turmoil, and parliamentary tensions, the reign of Charles II showed no real difference from the reigns before the Civil War. However, Roman Catholic identity of James II, absolving parliament, and the passing of the Test Act led to James' fleeing from England and resignation.
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    The Glorious Revolution

    During the Glorious Revolution, William of Orange was asked by Parliament to march against James II, but upon reaching England, William found that James II informally resigned from his rule by fleeing England for France. After this, Parliament and the Protestant church agreed to offer William and Mary (daughter of James and legitimate heir) the crown. No blood was shed during this revolution.
  • Locke's Two Treatises of Government Published

    Locke's Two Treatises of Government Published

    Locke's explanation of why the Divine Right of Kings was unreasonable put to death the idea that kings held supreme and unquestioned power in England.
  • William and Mary Assume the Throne, Accept Declaration of Rights

    William and Mary Assume the Throne, Accept Declaration of Rights

    Parliament offers the English crown to Mary, James II's daughter, and her husband William of Orange. They are crowned jointly and assume their rule without bloodshed. They accept the terms of the Declaration of Rights, limiting their monarchy and sharing power with parliament.