The Rise of England

* Late Medieval development

- 1215 Magna Carta signed

-> nobility reigns in the power of the king and guarantees some rights for the people

=> unity through political maturity

- slowly, a powerful parliament develops

-> taxes agreed to by the people

-> unity through national debate

* 1558-1603 Elizabeth I

- inherits the throne

-> daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Bolyn (non-Catholic)

- a nationalist before being a Puritan, she follows father’s

lead in strengthening the English (Anglican) Church.

-> very unpopular with Catholics

- in 1588, Phillip II of Spain attempts to destroy England

-> The huge Spanish Armada heads for England

-> English Naval success and bad weather doom the Spanish

-> defeat of Armada makes England a sea power

- Elizabeth remains a “virgin” all her life

-> she holds the reins, not a husband

-> can play politics with the possibility of marriage

- Her reign is marked by triumphs of English culture

-> Shakespeare the great light

- 1570s to 1580s, England exploring North America

-> looking for the Northwest Passage

* 1603-1625 James I

- 1607 Jamestown founded, beginning of colonial empire

- throughout his reign, constant struggles with Parliament

-> taxation issues

-> foreign policy disputes

-> rising power and wealth of House of Commons

=> rich businessmen replacing the lords as power-holders

* 1625-1649 Charles I

- struggles with Parliament continue

- in 1625, Charles dissolves Parliament and rules as a tyrant

- in 1640, Charles runs out of cash and needs money from bourgeoisie (businessmen)

-> recalls parliament

-> they force severe power restrictions on king in exchange for cash

-> Charles pockets the money, grins, and gathers troops

-1642-1649 Charles fights a losing civil war against parliamentary forces

-> Charles is publicly tried and executed

* 1650-1658 Cromwell and the Puritan dictatorship

- an attempt at a republic

-> abolished House of Lords

-> a constitution written

- unable to build popular support, Cromwell ruled as a dictator

- Cromwell’s death clears way for monarchy’s restoration

* 1659-1685 Charles II

- “elected” by parliament to rule

- unobjectionable, he brought peace and stability

* 1685-1688 James II

- A bigoted Catholic, he sparks revolution

- Parliament again leads a revolt (Glorious Revolution)

- James II is without support and flees

- Parliament invited William and Mary to rule

* 1688+ Parliament ascendant

- Bourgeoisie and rich nobles allied in Parliament

- King “rules” at Parliament’s pleasure

-> Constitutional Monarchy limits the king’s power

- Bill of Rights instituted 1689

-> no suspending of Parliament’s laws

-> no taxation without Parliament’s approval

-> no interfering with freedom of speech in Parliament

-> freedom of petition

- England then has the most efficient, flexible, and effective government in Europe.