English Civil War/ Glorious Revolution 1649-1688

Constitutional Monarchy

A constitutional monarchy is one in which the King or Queen has a largely ceremonial position. It is a form of government in which a monarch acts as head of state but their powers are defined and limited by law. Constitutional monarchies employ a parliamentary system with a Prime Minister as head of the government. The English Bill denounced King James II for abusing his power and the bill was passed as British law in December 1688. The English Bill of Rights clearly established that the monarchy could not rule without consent of Parliament. The English Bill put in place a constitutional form of government in which the rights and liberties of the individual were protected under English law.

Reasons for the English Civil War

Charles came to the throne without very much money in the royal treasury, there was a lack of money. According to the Magna Carta the King needed the approval of Parliament to raise taxes. Because Charles I was arrogant they would not grant the rise in taxes. Religious quarrels between Protestants and Catholics split the country. The English did not want a Catholic King or Catholics to influence the throne. Charles could not be trusted he betrayed Parliament on several occasions.

1689 Bill of Rights

The 1689 English Bill of Rights was a British Law, passed by the Parliament of Great Britain in 1689 that declared the rights and liberties of the people and settling the succession in William III and Mary II following the Glorious Revolution of 1688 when James II was deposed.

Effects of the Glorious Revolution in England

The Glorious Revolution in England changed the role and powers of the Kings of England from those of an Absolute monarch to a Constitutional monarch. ◾An 'Absolute Monarchy' meant the king had the power to do anything without any constraint by law or parliament ◾A 'Constitutional Monarchy' meant the king acted as a figurehead whose power was limited by parliament.

New Model Army

The New Model Army was created in February 1645 by Parliament as it felt that a professional army would be more successful against the king's army. It was a military unit that was to transform the English Civil War. Its commander-in-chief was General Fairfax and Oliver Cromwell was put in charge of the cavalry.

William and Mary

William and Mary accepted their crowns at Whitehall February 1689. William and Mary reigned jointly - recognized as joint monarchs but forced to accept parliamentary limitations on their sovereignty

The Glorious Revolution

also called Revolution of 1688, or Bloodless Revolution , in English history, the events of 1688-89 that resulted in the deposition of James II and the accession of his daughter Mary II and her husband, William III, prince of Orange and stad-holder of the Netherlands.

Oliver Cromwell

an English military and political leader and later Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland.

Ironsides

the most respected officer fighting for the king, nick-named them the Ironsides as they seemed to cut through the enemy with ease. These cavalry soldiers wore thick leather jerkins for protection as full plated armor would slow down their horses.

James I of England

was King of Scotland as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the Scottish and English crowns on 24 March 1603 until his death. The kingdoms of Scotland and England were individual sovereign states, with their own parliaments, judiciary, and laws

Charles II of England

was King of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Charles II's father, Charles I, was executed at Whitehall on 30 January 1649, at the climax of the English Civil War.

Guy Fawkes

was a member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

John Locke

was an English philosopher and physician regarded as one of the most influential of Enlightenment thinkers and known as the "Father of Classical Liberalism".

Sir Isaac Newton

was an English physicist and mathematician who is widely recognized as one of the most influential scientists of all time and as a key figure in the scientific revolution.

Charles I of England

was monarch of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649