The Evolution of English Constitutionalism From the Magna Carta to Civil War to the Glorious Revolution

The Traditional of Limited Gov’t In 1215 The Barons of England forced King John to sign the Magna Carta The English developed a council which advised the King called (leads to)“Parliament.”

Queen Elizabeth Left no heir No live siblings No nieces or nephews Last of the “Tudor” dynasty

The Stuart Dynasty: A Struggle for Absolute Power James I Queens 2nd Cousin (r. 1603-1625) Argued for the Divine Right of Kings and struggled with Parliament to get absolute power over government in England but was frustrated by Parliamentary power over taxes and government finances. Charles I (r. 1625-1649) Tried to expand royal power through foreign wars but was stopped by Parliament’s lack of support.

The Stuart Dynasty strongly believed in Divine Right of Kings Charles I He fought with Parliament for money to support his foreign policy and when they refused he disbanded the government. Later he was forced to recall Parliament and sign the Petition of Right which limited his power.

Petition of Right Grants Certain Rights 1) No taxes may be levied without consent of Parliament. 2) No subject may be imprisoned without cause shown (habeus corpus) 3) No soldiers may be quartered (housed) by the citizenry. 4) No Martial law in time of peace Charles I ignores the Petition of Right, disbands the Parliament

The English Civil War: Parliament’s Empty Victory Charles I dissolved Parliament it caused a Civil War. The members of Parliament raised an army (Roundheads) led by a puritan named Oliver Cromwell. Roundheads-named for short haircuts/ also describes the helmets they wore The Royalists raised an Army to protect the King (Cavaliers).Cavaliers-(Cavalry) someone wealthy enough to own a horse

Roundhead or Cavalier?

Roundhead or Cavalier?

Roundhead or Cavalier?

Roundhead or Cavalier?

Roundhead or Cavalier?

Roundhead or Cavalier?

English Civil War Cromwell’s Roundheads won the war.

The Execution of Charles I Charles I was Tried and executed First time in European History a king would be executed by his own people

Oliver Cromwell (r. 1653-1658)- Became leader of England Cromwell did not want to rule England after the civil war but was pressed by Parliament to do so. Once in power Cromwell enacted many Puritan reforms such as closing theaters and enforcing a strict moral code. When Parliament challenged his authority he dissolved it and became a military dictator as Lord Protector of England.

Oliver Cromwell Although very successful as a general, Cromwell was a poor politician - many English citizens didn’t like him. The Monarchy was restored shortly after his death in 1658.

The Restoration Parliament asked Charles II (son of Charles I) to return and rule England. Charles II became king and allowed Parliament to run the country. Charles II died with no legitimate heir and his throne went to James II (his brother).

James II (r.1685-88) *James II was a Catholic and came immediately into conflict with Parliament and the English culture.* James II wanted to remove the discrimination in English government. When he tried to dissolve Parliament, the government turned against him.

The “Glorious Revolution” James II tried to overturn Parliament’s laws. Parliament protested and James II tried to dissolve (end) Parliament. James’ Catholic wife had a son which would be heir to the throne. Parliament asked James’ Protestant daughter from his first marriage to rule in his place. William and Mary brought a Army to England and drove James II out without a battle.

William III and Mary II (r.1689-1702) William and Mary allowed Parliament to control government while they focused on foreign policy. The two signed the English Bill of Rights which permanently limited the power of the monarchy and insured that a Catholic would never become King or Queen of England. Parliament won the Revolution!