key term - Glorious Revolution

Definition

The Glorious Revolution refers to the bloodless overthrow of King James II of England in 1688, leading to the establishment of William and Mary as co-sovereigns. This event marked a significant turning point in British history, resulting in the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy and significantly shaping the political landscape of the Restoration period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glorious Revolution was sparked by growing discontent with James II's Catholic policies and his attempts to increase royal power.
2. William of Orange, invited by English nobles, landed in England with an army, leading to James II's flight to France without a fight.
3. The Revolution affirmed the supremacy of Parliament over the monarchy, laying the groundwork for modern British democracy.
4. The new regime established by William and Mary required them to accept the Bill of Rights, which included protections for civil liberties and parliamentary privileges.
5. This event also set a precedent for future revolutions and constitutional changes in other countries, influencing global attitudes towards governance.

Review Questions

• What were the main causes of the Glorious Revolution, and how did they reflect broader social and political tensions in England at the time?
  • The main causes of the Glorious Revolution included widespread discontent with King James II's authoritarian rule and his Catholic faith, which alarmed Protestant subjects. This unrest reflected broader social tensions between Catholics and Protestants, as well as political tensions between supporters of royal authority and advocates for parliamentary governance. Additionally, James II's attempts to bypass Parliament through royal decrees intensified fears about absolutism, ultimately prompting influential nobles to invite William of Orange to intervene.
• Analyze how the Glorious Revolution impacted the development of constitutional monarchy in Britain.
  • The Glorious Revolution was pivotal in transitioning England from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. By establishing William and Mary as co-sovereigns under conditions set by Parliament, it fundamentally limited royal powers. The subsequent acceptance of the Bill of Rights 1689 formalized this shift, ensuring that Parliament had control over taxation and legislation while protecting individual rights. This event laid a critical foundation for the development of modern democratic governance in Britain.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Glorious Revolution on both British society and its empire in the years that followed.
  • The long-term effects of the Glorious Revolution extended beyond immediate political changes in Britain. It solidified parliamentary supremacy and diminished fears of absolute rule, fostering a culture that valued civil liberties and political participation. Furthermore, this shift influenced Britain's colonial policies as ideas about governance spread across its empire. The principles established during this revolution would inspire future movements for democracy and reform within Britain and its colonies, fundamentally altering relationships between rulers and their subjects across the globe.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, limiting their absolute authority.

Bill of Rights 1689: An act passed by Parliament that outlined specific rights for citizens and set limits on the powers of the crown, reinforcing parliamentary sovereignty.

Tories and Whigs: Two political factions that emerged during this period, with Tories supporting the monarchy and traditional authority, while Whigs advocated for parliamentary power and constitutionalism.