key term - Glorious Revolution

Definition

The Glorious Revolution was a pivotal event in 1688 when William of Orange invaded England and overthrew King James II, leading to a constitutional monarchy. This bloodless coup not only solidified parliamentary power over the monarchy but also marked a significant resistance to absolute rule and an affirmation of rights and liberties for English citizens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glorious Revolution was unique because it was largely bloodless, with minimal violence compared to other revolutions, showcasing a shift towards constitutional governance.
2. The revolution resulted in the establishment of William and Mary as co-sovereigns, thereby setting a precedent for a constitutional monarchy in England.
3. The event prompted widespread discussions about rights and governance, influencing political thought and future democratic movements in Europe and America.
4. After the revolution, the Act of Settlement 1701 ensured that the English throne would pass to Protestant heirs, reflecting religious tensions at the time.
5. The Glorious Revolution is often seen as a turning point that encouraged further resistance against European absolutism, inspiring other nations to seek similar reforms.

Review Questions

• How did the Glorious Revolution change the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament in England?
  • The Glorious Revolution fundamentally altered the balance of power by establishing parliamentary sovereignty over the monarchy. After King James II was deposed, William of Orange and Mary accepted the throne under conditions that acknowledged Parliament's authority. This shift meant that future monarchs could no longer rule without parliamentary consent, creating a system that limited royal power and ensured greater representation for citizens.
• Discuss how the Glorious Revolution influenced ideas about governance in Europe beyond England.
  • The Glorious Revolution had significant implications for governance ideas across Europe as it demonstrated that a populace could successfully resist absolute monarchy without extensive bloodshed. The principles of parliamentary sovereignty and constitutional limits on power inspired many Enlightenment thinkers and revolutionary movements. The concepts established during this period contributed to growing demands for individual rights and democracy throughout Europe, influencing future revolutions like those in France and America.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Glorious Revolution on modern democratic systems.
  • The long-term effects of the Glorious Revolution on modern democratic systems are profound. It established a framework for constitutional monarchy that emphasized the rule of law and individual rights over absolute authority. This event paved the way for later developments in democratic governance, including checks and balances within government structures. As a result, it influenced constitutional design in various countries around the world, underscoring the importance of popular consent in government legitimacy and shaping contemporary democratic ideals.

Related terms

Parliamentary Sovereignty: The principle that Parliament has the supreme legal authority in the state, which was reinforced by the outcomes of the Glorious Revolution.

Bill of Rights 1689: A landmark document that established certain rights for Parliament and individuals, limiting the powers of the monarchy following the Glorious Revolution.

Absolute Monarchy: A form of government where a single ruler holds total power, which the Glorious Revolution directly opposed by establishing constitutional limits.