The English Civil War and Restoration

The Civil War and the Commonwealth (1642–1660)

• First conflict between the Crown and Parliament
• Early 17th century: Parliament challenged the monarch's power, demanding more control over crucial issues, particularly taxation.
• King Charles I resisted, leading to the English Civil War in 1642.
• The King's execution for treason in 1649 followed.
• Oliver Cromwell established a military dictatorship.

The Restoration of the Monarchy (1660–1688)

• Cromwell's rule caused disillusionment, with a desire for a stable government.
• Charles II, the executed king's son, was restored to the throne in 1660.
• Charles II, generally worked cooperatively with Parliament, learning from his father's mistakes.

The Glorious Revolution (1688–1689)

• James II, Charles II's brother, tried to promote Catholicism, a major unpopularity, alarming Parliament.
• Parliament removed James II from the throne, worried about the possible re-establishment of Catholicism.
• William of Orange and Mary were invited to rule jointly.
• William and Mary accepted Parliament's conditions, marking a significant shift in power.
• The Bill of Rights (1689), limited the Crown's powers and increased Parliament's authority.
• It established a hereditary monarchy, but with legislative approval required for most decisions and regular elections for Commons members.

Development of the Constitutional Monarchy (18th Century)

• The Bill of Rights did not create specific governing institutions.
• King's ministers handled day-to-day governance.
• Ministers needed support from the House of Commons majority to succeed.
• This led to the Prime Minister, as the chief minister.
• The Prime Minister advised the monarch on appointments, forming a Cabinet of leading ministers.
• The fundamental framework of the British constitutional monarchy remained consistent, despite evolving political landscape and democratic expansions.