English Revolution 1215Nobles force King John (mean) to sign the Magna Carta, first limit on power of King- guaranteed political rights- no taxation without representation, a jury trial, and the protection of the law. 1290The first parliament called, King Edward needed to raise taxes for a war, wealthy landowners and knights met in London Parliament grows in power, holds King/ queen in check because they control the money.  King/ Queen still powerful- King Henry VIII (1500s, Anglican church)  Queen Elizabeth (daughter)- works well with Parliament 1600sParliament fights with James I (Elizabeth’s cousin) over money, then w/ Charles I (his son) 1625Charles dissolves parliament twice but has to call them back because he needs money.

Petition of Rights  Charles finally is forced to sign the Petition of Rights –No imprisonment without due cause –No taxes without parliament’s consent –No quartering of soldiers in homes –No martial law during peace time  Charles ignores it and dissolves parliament again 1637War with Scots (over religion), Charles needs money to put down the revolt, must return to parliament for money 1641The Parliament passes laws that limits royal power, King Charles tries to arrest Parliament, they hide, he raises an army up north to fight them

English Civil War between supporters of the King and the Parliament, Parliament wins  They bring him to trial for treason and execute him  Oliver Cromwell rules, 10 years, military dictator, strict Puritan (religious) 1660Restoration- King Charles’ son, Charles II returns to thrown, leaves Parliament alone (more arts, theater) 1679Important political right-Habeas Corpus- must be charged with a crime or released 1685 King James- catholic which made many angry- tries to dissolve the Parliament

Glorious Revolution 1688 Parliament is mad, invites Mary (James oldest daughter, protestant) and her husband, William of Orange, to England to take the thrown, - James flees in fear of his life and not a drop of blood was shed in this Revolution - William and Mary vow to govern their people according to laws of Parliament. The Parliament is now in control, a constitutional monarchy 1689 Congress drafts a Bill of Rights –Cannot dissolve parliament or ignore its laws –No taxes that are not agreed upon by parliament –Freedom of speech –Ability to discuss grievances with the King

The American Revolution  The American Colonies ’s  Large growth in population and trade in the colonies. English and American merchants were making money from trade.  1660’sNavigation Acts- Restrictions passed by Britain- Americans can only trade with Britain- These restrictions were only lightly enforced and easy to get around.  Americans were used to being left alone by British govt. and already had set up colonial govts and assemblies

1760’s- 1770’s  After the French and Indian war, Britain begins to enforce laws which make the colonies angry.  During French and Indian war-1754 (French vs. British) over land rights in the new world a large debt was created. Britain expected the colonies to help pay for it since it was in their defense.  A tax was placed on printed papers (Stamp Act) to help earn money, this was the first tax the colonists had to pay directly to the government in 150 years!!!! They then boycotted British goods until it was repealed

More Anger  They said the govt. could not tax them because they had no representatives in Parliament. More taxes, more anger.  Harsh British responses to colonial uprising helped to bring moderate colonists to the side of Revolution, ex: Boston Massacre, quartering act, invading of Boston and shutting down the harbor after the Boston Tea Party, (Intolerable Acts)  Continental congresses were held to discuss colonial grievances (reasons they were mad) and were ignored by the King  British thought the colonies were over reacting and being babies, British citizens paid more taxes

Enlightenment Ideas and the Revolution  April 1775 –First shots fired in Lexington and Concord  American leaders use Enlightenment ideas to justify Revolution against Britain. They claimed that the king was not allowing their basic Freedoms and had therefore broken the Social Contract. It was now the colonists right to rebel. Enlightenment ideas were written into the Declaration of Independence, Common Sense by Thomas Paine.

Reasons for American victory (Oh my gosh the tiny unprepared army in the colonies WON!!!)  They were fighting in their homeland, more familiar with the territory and most passionate about the cause, defending their homes  The overconfident British generals made mistakes  Time- it was difficult and expensive to provide the British soldiers with supplies across the ocean  The French joined the war on the side of the colonists

New Government 1st national government  Articles of Confederation- states supreme over federal govt. (weak national govt) democratic republic- people choose representatives.  Tossed after only a few years 2nd govt.- The Constitution  Strong federal govt.  3 branches  System of checks and balances/ separation of powers  Limits on state power  Two house congress  The Bill of Rights- Freedom of press, speech, religion, assembly, etc