Democratic Developments in England Chapter 1 Section 5

Democratic Developments in England Chapter 1 Section 5

Focus Question • How did Parliament emerge victorious in the power struggle for political power in Medieval England?

Growth of Royal Power • Feudalism evolved to protect the people. Lords within this system pledged their loyalty to greater lords. • Feudal Monarchs had less power and ability to gain less territory than Nobles and the Church. • Nobles and the Church had their own courts, collected taxes, and had armies of their own.

Strong Monarch’s in England • During Middle Ages Feudal rulers in England kept their kingdoms united • When Anglo-Saxon King Edward died, w/o an heir. William (Normandy) and Harold (Edward’s brother in law) fought for the throne.

Strong Monarch’s in England Cont. • William the Conqueror defeated Harold and became king in 1066 • He had a complete land property census taken in 1085, which allowed him and other monarch to efficiently collect taxes. • Known as the Doomsday book it was completed in 1086.

Strong Monarch’s in England Cont. Henry II • He was an energetic and educated King who inherited the throne in 1154 • Expanded Royal Justice – must follow customs • His royal courts became the foundation for Common Law – standardized punishments

Evolving Traditions of Government • (1215)Magna Carta-Nobles forced the King John to sign a charter protecting their rights along with those of the townspeople & church (established due process of law). • 1295 King Edward I calls for common representatives to meet with lords and clergy to approve money for a war, setting up the framework for Parliament.

Evolving Traditions of Government • Between 1337 -1453 Parliament gains great power • During the Hundred Years war Parliament gains greater power of the purse due to the king turning to them for funds.

Triumph of Parliament • Kings James I and Charles I in anger with Parliament dissolve it several times. Charles refused to sign the Petition of Right. • Backed by Parliament in 16421649 Oliver Cromwell and his Armies defeated Charles I and placed power back into Parliaments hands.

Triumph of Parliament Cont. • 2 yrs. Later they execute Charles I for tyranny, murder, and being a traitor & public enemy • This sent shock waves across Europe because it was the 1 st king to be killed by his people.

The Commonwealth of England • After Charles Execution, The House of Commons abolishes the Monarchy, the House of Lords, and the Church of England. • Parliament declared England to be a Republic. • Oliver Cromwell became the Leader of the Commonwealth.

Restoration to Glorious Revolution • After Cromwell died in 1658, the newly elected Parliament reestablished the Monarchy. • The New King was Charles II, Signed the Petition of Right and dealt well w/ Parliament. • James II, brother of Charles II couldn’t do the same

Restoration to Glorious Revolution Cont. • While James II was still king, Mary and William of Orange were invited by Parliament to take throne in 1688. (Taking the throne from James II) • Because it was bloodless it is known as the Glorious Revolution. James II fled to France.

English Bill of Rights • Before Mary and William could be crowned, they had to accept several acts from Parliament. • Became known as The English Bill of Rights • Established superiority of Parliament over the Monarchy (limited monarchy).

• Gave Commons power of the purse ($$$) • Monarchy couldn’t interfere with Parliamentary debates or suspend laws. • Established trial by jury • abolished excessive fines and cruel or unusual punishment • Habeas Corpus or that no one can be imprisoned without being charged with a crime.

Summary • What were these notes about?