-1628: Charles refuses to acknowledge the petition of right. He dissolves parliament.
-1629: Begins an 11 year role without parliament.
-1639: Charles attempts to force religious reform in Scotland. The resulting rebellion is called the bishops' war.
-1640: Charles needs money to fight the bishops' wars, in April he recalls parliament but it is uncooperative this "short parliament" is dissolved after only 3 weeks.
-1640: The bishops' wars are over, but Charles is bankrupt. He recalls parliament in November, this will be the"long parliament"
-1641: Parliament has Lord Strafford charged with treason. He is executed in may. Charles's other favourite, Archbishop Laud, is also arrested.
-1641: In October, parliament presents the Grand Remonstrance this document shows parliament's opposition to all of Charles's actions and policies from the beginning of his rule. It also demands the removal of his chosen ministers. Charles tries to ignore it.
-1641: Parliament starts a series of political reforms to reduce the power of the monarch.
-1642: In January, Charles enters the House of Commons with 400 soldiers, and attempts to arrest five members of parliament. He fails.
-1642: Charles flees London. The people of England begin to choose sides: some support parliament, others support the king.