1. Cromwell was an authoritarian leader of Commonwealth. From 1649 to 1660 Britain became a republic under his power. Cromwell got rid of the monarchy by executing King Charles I; he also got rid of the House of Lords and the Anglican Church.
2. James I strongly believed in an absolute monarchy and the king's divine right to create laws and govern the country.
3. Charles I was in favour of an absolute monarchy since he refused to accept Parliament. After the civil war in 1645, Charles was tried and found guilty of making war against his kingdom and Parliament. In January 1649, Charles I was executed for high treason.
4. William III became king by Parliament's election, not by right or birth. The English monarchy had become a parliamentary or constitutional monarchy (i.e. Parliament was now controlled by a constitution).
5. Mary II was also in favour of a constitutional monarchy. During her reign Parliament was more powerful than the king or queen. The king or queen was unable to raise taxes or keep an army without the agreement of Parliament.
