English Civil War (Dwyer)

English Bill of Rights

A 1689 document that outlined the limits of royal power and established rights for Parliament and individuals.

Charles II

King of England who was restored to the throne after the Commonwealth, known for his support of the arts and the establishment of habeas corpus.

Religious Toleration

The acceptance of different religious beliefs and practices, established as a principle in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution.

Arbitrary Arrest

The act of detaining someone without just cause or legal justification, which the English Bill of Rights sought to prevent.

Excessive Fines and Cruel Punishments

Prohibitions established by the English Bill of Rights to protect individuals from harsh penalties imposed by the monarchy.

English Civil War

A conflict from 1642 to 1649 between the Royalists (Cavaliers) and Parliamentarians (Roundheads) over governance and power.

Petition of Right

A document signed by Charles I in 1628 that outlined specific liberties and restricted the king's ability to raise taxes without Parliament's consent.

Charles I

King of England whose conflicts with Parliament led to the English Civil War; he was ultimately tried and executed for treason.

Oliver Cromwell

Leader of the Parliamentarians during the English Civil War who later became the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth.

Roundheads

Supporters of Parliament during the English Civil War, primarily composed of Puritans and townspeople.

Cavaliers

Supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War, mainly consisting of the aristocracy and large landowners.

Constitutional Monarchy

A form of government in which the monarch's powers are limited by law and balanced with an elected Parliament.

Divine Right

The doctrine that kings derive their authority from God, not from their subjects.

James II

King of England whose reign led to the Glorious Revolution due to his unpopular Catholicism and absolutist beliefs.

Martial Law

The imposition of direct military control over normal civilian functions by a government, often in response to a crisis.

Trial of Charles I

The historic trial in 1649 where Charles I was charged with treason against Parliament and subsequently executed.

Parliament

The legislative body in England that gained significant power and influence, especially after the events of the English Civil War.

Glorious Revolution

The bloodless transfer of power in 1688 when William and Mary took the throne, recognizing Parliament's superiority.

Habeas Corpus

A legal right ensuring that a person cannot be held in prison without being charged with a specific crime.

Magna Carta

A document signed in 1215 that limited the powers of the king and established certain legal rights for 'free men'.

Model Parliament

Established in 1295, it allowed representation from all classes, making Parliament bicameral with a House of Lords and House of Commons.

Tudors

A royal family that ruled England from 1485 to 1603, known for their relatively good relations with Parliament.

Stuarts

A royal family that succeeded the Tudors and faced significant conflict with Parliament, particularly under Charles I and James II.

Long Parliament

The Parliament that was convened in 1640 and was dissolved by Charles I in 1653; it played a crucial role in the English Civil War.

Commonwealth

The period of republican government in England from 1649 to 1660, led by Oliver Cromwell.

Freedom of Speech in Parliament

A provision in the English Bill of Rights that protects the rights of members of Parliament to speak freely without fear of retribution.