1. Parliament Triumphs in England The Age of Absolutism Chapter 4, Section 3

2. A Century of Revolution Begins Elizabeth dies (1603) childless, the last of the Tudors. James I, (a Stuart) King of Scotland, assumed the English throne, believed in divine right and clashed with Parliament. James also clashed with dissenters, such as the Puritans. James I is responsible for the English translation of the Bible “the King James” version.

3. A Century of Revolution Begins Charles I inherits the throne in 1625 from his father, James I. Charles I was forced to sign the Petition of Right by Parliament which severely limited his power to rule by divine right. He dissolves Parliament due to this (1629). Charles ruled for 11 years without Parliament, clashing with dissenters as well. Charles I is the king responsible for the Puritans coming to the English colonies in America.

4. Beginnings of Civil War Charles I finally summoned Parliament in 1640 when he needed money in order to suppress a Scottish rebellion. This Parliament is known as ‘Long Parliament’ because it lasted from 1640 to 1653. Radicals in Parliament have some of Charles’ advisors executed on grounds of treason. In 1642, Charles I leads troops into Parliament on horseback in an attempt to take over. This begins the English Civil War.

5. The English Civil War Lasts from 1642-1651; Cavaliers (supporters of Charles) vs. the Roundheads (Parliament and the remaining Puritans). The Roundheads were led by Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell, a genius and gifted leader, organized a “New Model Army.” The Roundheads win and behead Charles I (1649), Oliver Cromwell becomes Lord Protector and rules the country. This unique period of English history is known as the Commonwealth.

6. Cromwell and the Commonwealth Supporters of the monarchy continued to attack England by way of Ireland and Scotland. Dissent from within Parliament: the Levellers. Puritan influence. Cromwell dies in 1658. 1660 the newly elected Parliament invites Charles II to return to England (from exile) and restore the monarchy.

7. From Restoration to Glorious Revolution Charles II was a popular ruler; supporter of the arts. The brother of Charles II, James II, inherited the throne in 1685. He was an open Catholic and not equipped to be king. His son-in-law and daughter, William and Mary of the Netherlands, took over the throne in a nonviolent manner in 1688. This bloodless overthrow is known as the Glorious Revolution. William and Mary agree to the English Bill of Rights, creating a Limited Monarchy.

8. Constitutional Monarchy The emergence of political parties: the Tories and the Whigs. The Cabinet is initiated.