The Gunpowder Treason Act

The Gunpowder Treason Act of 1606 was enacted by the English Parliament in response to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, where a group of Catholics, including Guy Fawkes, attempted to blow up the Houses of Parliament to assassinate King James I and restore Catholic leadership. The Act aimed to punish those involved in the plot and prevent further Catholic uprisings. It made participating in any form of conspiracy against the government a serious crime, establishing harsh penalties. It also mandated an annual observance of November 5th, known as Guy Fawkes Night, to commemorate the failed assassination attempt.