Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution, or Revolution of 1688 refers to the November 1688 deposition and subsequent replacement of James II and VII as ruler of England, Scotland and Ireland by his daughter Mary II and her Dutch husband William III of Orange. The outcome of events in all three kin…
William III of England
William III, also widely known as William of Orange, was sovereign Prince of Orange from birth, Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Gelderland and Overijssel in the Dutch Republic from the 1670s and King of England, Ireland and Scotland from 1689 until his death. As King of Sc…
What happened in the glorious revolutions?
The Glorious Revolution was when William of Orange took the English throne from James II in 1688. The event brought a permanent realignment of power within the English constitution.
What is the Glorious Revolution and why is it important?
The Glorious Revolution (1688–89) permanently established Parliament as the ruling power of England—and, later, the United Kingdom—representing a shift from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy.
What were the 3 main results of the Glorious Revolution?
What was the outcome of the Glorious Revolution? James II was overthrown, and William III and Mary II took his place. The 1689 Bill of Rights limited the future power of the monarchy and outlined the rights of Parliament and Englishmen. In Massachusetts, Bostonians overthrew royal governor Edmund Andros.
What is the Glorious Revolution in simple words?
The Glorious Revolution, also called “The Revolution of 1688” and “The Bloodless Revolution,” took place from 1688 to 1689 in England. It involved the overthrow of the Catholic king James II, who was replaced by his Protestant daughter Mary and her Dutch husband, William of Orange.
Why was it called the Glorious Revolution?
It was called “glorious” because it was completed mostly without bloodshed. Although the Glorious Revolution occurred in 1688, the seeds of this revolution began much earlier. Queen Elizabeth I of England reigned from 1558 to 1603.
How did the Glorious Revolution end?
The Glorious Revolution ended with a Convention Parliament being convened after King James II fled to France rather than fight against William of Orange's army. The group declared that James had abdicated his throne when he fled.
What impact did the Glorious Revolution have on the English empire?
The Glorious Revolution led to the establishment of an English nation that limited the power of the king and provided protections for English subjects. In October 1689, the same year that William and Mary took the throne, the 1689 Bill of Rights established a constitutional monarchy.
How did the Glorious Revolution affect the colonies?
When the Glorious Revolution drove James II from England, the colonies regained control of their own legislatures. England's wars on the continent of Europe spread to the New World, raising colonists' recognition of their own military weakness and strengthening their bonds to England.
Why did the Glorious Revolution impact the colonies?
When the Glorious Revolution drove James II from England, the colonies regained control of their own legislatures. England's wars on the continent of Europe spread to the New World, raising colonists' recognition of their own military weakness and strengthening their bonds to England.
What and when was the Glorious Revolution?
1688 – 1689Glorious Revolution / Period
How did the Glorious Revolution contribute to the development of modern democracy?
Motivated by both politics and religion, the revolution led to the adoption of the English Bill of Rights of 1689 and forever changed how England was governed. As the Parliament gained more control over the previously absolute authority of the royal monarchy, the seeds of modern political democracy were sown.
How did the Glorious Revolution lead to the American Revolution?
News of the Glorious Revolution had a significant and profound affect on the colonies in North America, particularly the Massachusetts Bay Colony. When colonists learned of Mary and William's rise to power it caused a series of revolts against the government officials appointed by James II.
Who coined the term "Glorious Revolution"?
The term “Glorious Revolution” was first coined by John Hampden in 1689.
What were the major uprisings that followed the Glorious Revolution?
When news of the revolution reached the Americans, several uprisings followed, including the Boston Revolt, Leisler’s Rebellion in New York and the Protestant Revolution in Maryland. Since the Glorious Revolution, Parliament’s power in Britain has continued to increase, while the monarchy’s influence has waned.
What was the bloodless revolution?
Sources. The Glorious Revolution, also called “The Revolution of 1688” and “The Bloodless Revolution,” took place from 1688 to 1689 in England. It involved the overthrow of the Catholic king James II, who was replaced by his Protestant daughter Mary and her Dutch husband, William of Orange.
What was the first step towards a constitutional monarchy?
Additionally, it forbade the monarchy from being Catholic. Many historians believe the Bill of Rights was the first step toward a constitutional monarchy.
What was King James II's relationship with France?
He also had close ties with France—a relationship that concerned many of the English people. In 1687, King James II issued a Declaration of Indulgence, which suspended penal laws against Catholics and granted acceptance of some Protestant dissenters.
What was the effect of the two new rulers accepting more restrictions from Parliament than any previous monarchs?
The two new rulers accepted more restrictions from Parliament than any previous monarchs, causing an unprecedented shift in the distribution of power throughout the British realm.
Why did King James leave London?
King James, however, had prepared for military attacks and left London to bring his forces to meet the invading army. But several of James’s own men, including his family members, deserted him and defected to William’s side. In addition to this setback, James’s health was deteriorating.
What was William's legacy of the Glorious Revolution?
As the invitation was initiated by figures who had little influence themselves, the legacy of the Glorious Revolution has been described as a successful propaganda act by William to cover up and justify his successful invasion.
Who published the Glorious Revolution of 1688?
Ashley, Maurice (1966). The Glorious Revolution of 1688. Hodder & Stoughton . Also published by Panther History (1968).
What is the Glorieuze Overtocht?
e. The Glorious Revolution of November 1688 ( Irish: An Réabhlóid Ghlórmhar; Scottish Gaelic: Rèabhlaid Ghlòrmhor; Welsh: Chwyldro Gogoneddus ), is also known as the Glorieuze Overtocht or Glorious Crossing by the Dutch. It refers to the deposition of James II and VII, king of England, Scotland and Ireland and replacement by his daughter Mary ...
What was the 1688 Revolution?
While the 1688 revolution was labeled "Glorious" by Protestant preachers two decades later, its historiography is complex, and its assessment disputed. Thomas Macaulay 's account of the Revolution in The History of England from the Accession of James the Second exemplifies the " Whig history " narrative of the Revolution as a largely consensual and bloodless triumph of English common sense, confirming and strengthening its institutions of tempered popular liberty and limited monarchy. Edmund Burke set the tone for that interpretation when he proclaimed that:
What was the most radical act of the 1688 Revolution?
Historian Tim Harris argues the most radical act of the 1688 Revolution was breaking the succession and establishing the idea of a "contract" between ruler and people , a fundamental rebuttal of the Stuart ideology of divine right. While this was a victory for the Whigs, other pieces of legislation were proposed by the Tories, often with moderate Whig support, designed to protect the Anglican establishment from being undermined by future monarchs, including the Calvinist William. The Declaration of Right was a tactical compromise, setting out where James had failed and establishing the rights of English citizens, without agreeing their cause or offering solutions. In December 1689, this was incorporated into the Bill of Rights
Why did the majority of those who backed James in 1685 do so?
The majority of those who backed James in 1685 did so because they wanted stability and the rule of law, qualities frequently undermined by his actions. After suspending Parliament in November 1685, he sought to rule by decree; although the principle was not disputed, the widening of its scope caused considerable concern, particularly when judges who disagreed with its application were dismissed. He then alienated many by perceived attacks on the established church; Henry Compton, Bishop of London, was suspended for refusing to ban John Sharp from preaching after he gave an anti-Catholic sermon.
What was the cause of the Boston revolt?
In North America, the Glorious Revolution precipitated the 1689 Boston revolt in which a well-organised "mob" of provincial militia and citizens successfully deposed the hated governor Edmund Andros. In New York, Leisler's Rebellion caused the colonial administrator, Francis Nicholson, to flee to England.
What happened in the Glorious Revolution?
Updated July 29, 2019. The Glorious Revolution was a bloodless coup that took place from 1688-1689, in which Catholic King James II of England was deposed and succeeded by his Protestant daughter Mary II and her Dutch husband, Prince William III of Orange. Motivated by both politics and religion, the revolution led to the adoption ...
What was the revolution in England?
Motivated by both politics and religion, the revolution led to the adoption of the English Bill of Rights of 1689 and forever changed how England was governed. As the Parliament gained more control over the previously absolute authority of the royal monarchy, the seeds of modern political democracy were sown.
What is the English Bill of Rights?
Among other constitutional principles, the English Bill of Rights acknowledged the right for regular meetings of Parliaments, free elections, and freedom of speech in Parliament. Speaking to the nexus of the Glorious Revolution, it also prohibited the monarchy from ever coming under Catholic control.
What was the impact of the Revolution on the American colonies?
The Revolution freed the Protestant Puritans living in the American colonies of several of the harsh laws imposed on them by Catholic King James II. News of the Revolution spurred hopes of independence among the American colonists, leading to several protests and uprisings against English rule.
What did James II do to the Church of England?
Later the same year, James II dissolved Parliament and tried to create a new Parliament that would agree never to oppose or question his rule according to the “ divine right of kings ” doctrine of absolutism .
What did the 7 pledge to William?
In April 1688, seven of King James’ peers wrote to William pledging their allegiance if he invaded England. In their letter, “The Seven” stated that “much the greatest part of the [English] nobility and gentry” were unhappy with James II’s reign and would align with William and his invading forces. Emboldened by the pledge ...
Why did William invade England?
William had long planned to invade England in an effort to oust James and prevent the Catholic emancipation. However, William decided not to invade without some level of support within England itself. In April 1688, seven of King James’ peers wrote to William pledging their allegiance if he invaded England.
What was the outcome of the Glorious Revolution?
And there was one more outcome of the Glorious Revolution: Roman Catholics were barred from the throne, meaning there would never again be a Catholic king of England.
Why was the Bloodless Revolution called the Bloodless Revolution?
This revolution is nicknamed the Bloodless Revolution because the unpopular king was unable to fight when faced with William's vast army. In defeat, King James fled to France.
What happened to the people of England in 1685?
Well, that's kind of what happened to the people of England in 1685, but instead of getting stuck with a terrible teacher, they got stuck with a terrible king. Just three years after the king took his throne, hatred of him came to a head in a revolt referred to as the Glorious Revolution, which was a bloodless revolution that removed King James II from power.
Why was King James II unpopular?
King James II was unpopular because he was a Roman Catholic ruler of a nation filled with Protestants. Catholics and Protestants share Christian values, but there are strong differences between their teachings and beliefs.
What did the English leaders write to William?
The English leaders wrote a letter to William letting him know that if he wanted to overthrow the king and take over England's throne, they would help him do it. William eagerly accepted, and before the prince celebrated his first birthday, William had assembled an army and was headed to England to start a revolution.
Who was William of Orange?
The orange that the English leaders were interested in was not a piece of fruit; it was a Dutch ruler who was referred to as William of Orange. William just happened to be married to King James' daughter, who, unlike her father, was a Protestant.
Overview
Glorious Revolution is the sequence of events leading to the deposition of King James II and VII of England and Scotland in November 1688, and his replacement by his daughter Mary II and her husband and James's nephew William III of Orange, de facto ruler of the Dutch Republic. Debate continues as to whether it is best described as an invasion or an internal coup. The term "Glorious Revoluti…
Background
Despite his Catholicism, James became king in 1685 with widespread support, as demonstrated by the rapid defeat of the Argyll and Monmouth Rebellions; less than four years later, he was forced into exile. Often seen as an exclusively English event, modern historians argue James failed to appreciate the extent to which Royal power relied at the local level on the Landed gentry, and the loss o…
Dutch intervention
In 1677, James's elder daughter and heir Mary married her Protestant cousin William of Orange, stadtholder of the main provinces of the Dutch Republic. The two initially shared common objectives in wanting Mary to succeed her father, while French ambitions in the Spanish Netherlands threatened both English and Dutch trade. Although William sent James troops to help suppress the 1685 Mo…
Dutch preparations: July to September 1688
William's key strategic purpose was the Grand Alliance (League of Augsburg) to contain French expansion, an objective not shared by the majority of his English supporters. In 1672, an alliance with the Electorate of Cologne enabled France to bypass Dutch forward defences and nearly over-run the Republic, so ensuring an anti-French ruler was vital to prevent a repetition. As an Hochstift (ecclesiastica…
Decision to invade
At the beginning of September, an invasion remained in the balance, with the States General fearing a French attack via Flanders while their army was in England. However, the surrender of Belgrade on 6 September seemed to presage an Ottoman collapse and release Austrian resources for use in Germany. Hoping to act before Leopold could respond and relieve pressure on the Ottomans, Lo…
English defensive strategy
Neither James nor Sunderland trusted Louis, correctly suspecting that his support would continue only so long as it coincided with French interests, while Mary of Modena claimed his warnings were simply an attempt to drag England into an unwanted alliance. As a former naval commander, James appreciated the difficulties of a successful invasion, even in good weather, and as they mo…
Invasion
The Dutch preparations, though carried out with great speed, could not remain secret. The English envoy Ignatius White, the Marquess d'Albeville, warned his country: "an absolute conquest is intended under the specious and ordinary pretences of religion, liberty, property and a free Parliament". Louis threatened an immediate declaration of war if William proceeded and sent James 300,00…
The collapse of James's rule
Panicked by the prospect of invasion, James met with the bishops on 28 September, offering concessions; five days later they presented demands, which included restoring the religious position to that prevailing in February 1685, along with free elections for a new Parliament. Although they hoped this would allow James to remain king, in reality there was little chance of this, since at a …
King James II's Reign
Invasion of William III
- In 1677, James II’s Protestant daughter, Mary II, had married her first cousin William III, then the Prince of Orange, a sovereign principality now part of Southern France. William had long planned to invade England in an effort to oust James and prevent the Catholic emancipation. However, William decided not to invade without some level of support within England itself. In April 1688, …
English Bill of Rights
- In January 1689, a deeply divided English Convention Parliament met to transfer the crowns of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Radical Whigs argued that William should reign as an elected king, meaning his power would be derived from the people. Tories wanted to acclaim Mary as queen, with William as her regent. When William threatened to leave England if he was not made king, P…
Significance of The Glorious Revolution
- English Catholics suffered both socially and politically from the Glorious Revolution. For over a century, Catholics were not allowed to vote, sit in Parliament, or serve as commissioned military officers. Until 2015, the sitting monarch of England was forbidden to be Catholic or to marry a Catholic. The English Bill of Rights of 1689 began the age...
Sources and Further Reference
- Kenyon, John P. "James II: King of England, Scotland, and Ireland." Encyclopedia Britannica.
- Hutton, Ronald. "The Restoration: a political and religious history of England and Wales 1658-1667." Oxford Scholarship (1985).
- "Royal Declaration of Indulgence." Revolvy.com
- "The Convention Parliament." British Civil Wars Project.