Welcome to Unit 3: The Path to Constitutionalism!
In this chapter, we are looking at a huge "tug-of-war" for power in England. While other European leaders (like Louis XIV in France) were becoming Absolutists—meaning they wanted total, 100% control—England went in a different direction. Through a messy civil war and a "glorious" revolution, England developed a Constitutional Monarchy. This means the King or Queen has to follow the law and share power with Parliament.
Don't worry if the names and dates seem confusing at first! Just remember: this chapter is all about the struggle to decide who has the "final say" in government: the King or the People (represented by Parliament).
1. The Setup: Divine Right vs. Parliament
The trouble started with James I and his son, Charles I. Both kings believed in the Divine Right of Kings. This was the idea that God chose the king, so the king didn't have to answer to anyone on Earth—especially not a group of pesky politicians in Parliament.
The Two Main Problems:
1. Money: The kings wanted to spend money on wars and lifestyle, but according to English tradition, they needed Parliament’s permission to raise taxes.
2. Religion: Many members of Parliament were Puritans (strict Protestants). They thought the Church of England was still "too Catholic" and were upset that the kings seemed to favor Catholic-style rituals.
Think of it like this: Imagine a teenager (the King) who wants to spend a lot of money, but the parents (Parliament) hold the credit card and refuse to hand it over until the teenager cleans their room (fixes the religious issues).
Key Takeaway: James I and Charles I wanted absolute power, but Parliament used its "power of the purse" (control over money) to push back.
2. The English Civil War (1642–1651)
Eventually, the "tug-of-war" snapped. Charles I tried to arrest his critics in Parliament, and war broke out. The country split into two sides:
- The Cavaliers: Supported King Charles I.
- The Roundheads: Supported Parliament (led by Oliver Cromwell).
Who was Oliver Cromwell?
Cromwell was a Puritan military leader who created the "New Model Army." He was highly organized and very motivated by his religious beliefs. Under his leadership, the Roundheads defeated the King’s forces.
The Shocking Conclusion
In 1649, Parliament did something that shocked all of Europe: they put Charles I on trial and executed him. This sent a clear message: The law is higher than the King.
Did you know? This was the first time in European history that a reigning monarch was legally tried and executed by his own people. It changed the way people thought about power forever.
3. The Interregnum and the "Protectorate"
After the King was gone, England became a republic (a country without a monarch) called the Commonwealth. However, it didn't stay a democracy for long. Oliver Cromwell eventually took control as a military dictator, calling himself the "Lord Protector."
Cromwell’s rule was strict. Because he was a Puritan, he banned "fun" things like theater, dancing, and even Christmas, because he felt they were sinful or too Catholic. By the time Cromwell died, the English people were tired of military rule and ready to bring back the monarchy.
Quick Review:
- 1640s: Civil War between King and Parliament.
- 1649: King Charles I is executed.
- 1650s: Oliver Cromwell rules as a military dictator.
4. The Restoration and the Glorious Revolution
In 1660, England "restored" the monarchy by inviting Charles I’s son, Charles II, to come back and rule. This period is called The Restoration. Things were okay until Charles II died and his brother, James II, took the throne.
The Problem with James II:
James II was Catholic and again believed in absolute power. Parliament was terrified that he would turn England back into a Catholic, absolutist state. To prevent this, they reached out to James's Protestant daughter, Mary, and her husband, William of Orange (the leader of the Netherlands).
The "Glorious" Revolution (1688)
Parliament invited William and Mary to "invade" England and take the throne. When they arrived with their army, James II fled to France. Because there was almost no fighting or bloodshed, it is called the Glorious Revolution.
Memory Trick: It was Glorious because they got a new government without a Gory war.
5. The Result: Parliamentary Sovereignty
Before William and Mary could officially be crowned, Parliament forced them to sign the English Bill of Rights (1689). This document is one of the most important in history because it established Parliamentary Sovereignty.
What the English Bill of Rights did:
- The King could not raise taxes or an army without Parliament's consent.
- Parliament must meet frequently.
- Monarchs must be Protestant.
- Guaranteed "free speech" for members of Parliament during debates.
Key Takeaway: The Glorious Revolution permanently limited the power of the English monarchy. England was now a Constitutional Monarchy, where the real power lived in Parliament, not just the King.
Final Summary for the Exam
In your essays or multiple-choice questions, remember these connections:
1. The Conflict: Started because of "Divine Right" (SOP - States and Other Institutions of Power).
2. The Turning Point: The execution of Charles I proved the King was not above the law.
3. The Resolution: The English Bill of Rights created a system of shared power (Constitutionalism) that stood in direct contrast to the Absolutism happening in the rest of Europe.
Note: For more on how this compares to other countries, see the chapter on "Absolutist Approaches to Power" (Topic 3.7).