Political Revolution in England English Civil War & Glorious Revolution Charles I Charles II Oliver Cromwell William & Mary James II

The Magna Carta (1215) What: A signed contract between English nobles & the King of England written in medieval times. Importance: Established the idea that the King had limited (not absolute) power and that even the King needed to govern according to agreed upon law. Established basic legal rights for all citizens (“Rights of Englishmen”) King must ask for popular consent for taxes (“Power of the Purse”) Eventually led to the establishment of British Parliament (law making branch of government)

England’s Limited Absolute Monarchy (after Magna Carta) British kings rule with checks & balances to power English Kings still resisted sharing power! Henry VIII breaks from Catholic Church and seeks to increase the power of the British monarchy in late 1500’s

Conflict in England Between Crown & Parliament Elizabeth I dies 1603 with no heirs Frequent conflicts with Parliament over $$ Amasses large debts & needed help from Parliament James I (Scottish cousin) assumes throne Felt he had absolute power Conflicts with Parliament over money, religion & power “Kings are justly called Gods, for that….they exercise a manner…of a divine power upon earth” James I

Tensions Increase Under Charles I In 1625 James I dies, Charles I (son) assumes throne Several times Charles I dissolves Parliament when it refused his requests for more £. He imposes many fees & fines on the English people…hurts his popularity. Finally, in 1628, Charles is forced to accept the Petition of Right, but he later ignores these promises to Parliament… Parliament is angry!

Petition of Right [1628] What: New law which further limited King’s power to tax, imprison, house soldiers and make rules during peace time. Importance: Charles I ignores new law Between 1629 and 1642 England falls into conflict over the power of the King versus that of Parliament (led by Puritan Oliver Cromwell) Parliament makes laws that even the King must follow! My power is absolute!

English Civil War (1642-49) Charles I fights to maintain absolute power supported by Royalists or Cavaliers Oliver Cromwell leads Roundheads in fight against King’s forces Cromwell’s New Model Army victorious by 1646 and takes King prisoner. Charles I brought to trial for treason in 1649 Charles is executed after trial Cromwell assumes power

Oliver Cromwell What is ironic about Cromwell’s rule? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FyQnEDt7eA Oliver Cromwell Puritan leader rules England 1649-1658 Attempts to impose strict religious morals on England Helped write a republican Constitution, but eventually ignored it Grew increasingly unhappy with Parliament and then dissolved it Eventually ruled as military dictator until his death in 1658 He was replaced by a new King Charles II (“Restoration”) What is ironic about Cromwell’s rule?

The Impact of Enlightenment Ideas Charles II rules after Cromwell’s death in 1658 During the Restoration there is more freedom for people Ex: 1679 Habeas Corpus Act is passed Prisoners had the right to be reviewed before a Judge Judges (not King) decided whether a prisoner should stand trial The King could not just put someone in jail for questioning his authority

“Glorious Revolution”(1688) Catholic James II replaces Charles II…angers Protestant British James II has daughter Mary (Protestant) who marries Dutchman William of Orange Parliament invites William & Mary to replace James II Political Importance: William & Mary agree to fully recognize the power of Parliament and authorize a Bill of Rights & Constitutional Monarchy

More clearly limits royal power English Bill of Rights 1689 More clearly limits royal power No suspending of Parliaments laws No levying of taxes without Parliament approval No interfering with freedom of speech No penalty for peaceful protesting of grievances https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPdqchGLxZw

Constitutional Monarchy (1689) England becomes a Constitutional Monarchy (1689) After 1689 no monarch could rule without Parliaments consent Cabinet developed as a way to share law making power between the King and Parliament. Cabinet leaders called “ministers” ceremonially chosen by King (with consent of Parliament) and represent the majority party of Parliament. The leader of Parliament became known as the Prime Minister Foundation for the current government of England!