World History / Unit 7: Absolutism, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment
7.3 England's Limited Monarchy
Notes
In England, conflict between kings and Parliament led to a constitutional monarchy, in which laws limit the ruler's power.
- Charles I fought Parliament over taxes and was forced to sign the Petition of Right (1628), but he then ruled without Parliament for 11 years.
- The English Civil War (1642 to 1651) pitted royalists against Parliament's forces, led by Oliver Cromwell. Charles I was executed in 1649.
- Cromwell ruled as Lord Protector. After his death, the monarchy was restored in 1660 under Charles II.
- Glorious Revolution (1688): Parliament replaced Catholic King James II with William and Mary with little bloodshed.
- The English Bill of Rights (1689) said the monarch could not suspend laws, tax or keep an army in peacetime without Parliament's consent, and protected free elections and free speech in Parliament.
| Absolute monarchy | Constitutional monarchy |
|---|---|
| Ruler holds all power | Ruler limited by laws and a legislature |
| France under Louis XIV | England after 1689 |
Practice
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 is called "glorious" mainly because:
James II fled, and William and Mary took the throne peacefully.
Which right did the English Bill of Rights (1689) establish?
Parliament gained control over taxation and the army.
Put these English events in order: (1) Glorious Revolution, (2) execution of Charles I, (3) Petition of Right, (4) restoration of the monarchy.
1628, 1649, 1660, 1688.
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