key term - Glorious Revolution

Definition

The Glorious Revolution was a pivotal event in 1688 that saw the overthrow of King James II of England and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne. This bloodless transition marked a significant shift in power from absolute monarchy towards constitutional governance, laying the groundwork for modern democratic principles and influencing Enlightenment philosophy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glorious Revolution was characterized by its largely peaceful nature, earning it the nickname 'Glorious.'
2. It established William III and Mary II as co-monarchs, leading to a more balanced power structure between the monarchy and Parliament.
3. This revolution directly influenced the development of constitutional law in England, particularly through the later establishment of the Bill of Rights 1689.
4. The Glorious Revolution is often seen as a turning point that inspired other democratic movements around the world, promoting ideas of governance based on consent.
5. It prompted debates among Enlightenment thinkers about the nature of authority, sovereignty, and the rights of individuals within society.

Review Questions

• How did the Glorious Revolution challenge traditional notions of absolute monarchy?
  • The Glorious Revolution challenged traditional absolute monarchy by replacing King James II with William III and Mary II, who accepted a constitutional framework that limited royal powers. This shift emphasized the importance of parliamentary sovereignty and set a precedent for future monarchs to govern in accordance with laws established by Parliament. By establishing a government based on consent rather than divine right, it fundamentally altered the relationship between the monarchy and its subjects.
• Discuss the role of Enlightenment philosophy in shaping the outcomes of the Glorious Revolution.
  • Enlightenment philosophy played a crucial role in shaping the outcomes of the Glorious Revolution by advocating for reason, individual rights, and governance based on consent. Thinkers like John Locke argued against absolute rule and emphasized that government should protect natural rights such as life, liberty, and property. These ideas influenced both public opinion and legislative changes during and after the revolution, leading to a constitutional framework that prioritized civil liberties over monarchical authority.
• Evaluate how the events of the Glorious Revolution contributed to later democratic movements in Europe and beyond.
  • The Glorious Revolution served as a catalyst for later democratic movements by demonstrating that a peaceful transfer of power was possible without bloodshed. Its emphasis on constitutional limits to monarchical power inspired revolutions in other countries, including France and America. The principles established during this time, particularly regarding individual rights and government accountability, continued to resonate with reformers and revolutionaries throughout history, ultimately contributing to the development of modern democratic systems around the globe.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government where a monarch's powers are limited by a constitution, establishing a balance between authority and the rights of citizens.

Bill of Rights 1689: An act passed by Parliament that outlined specific rights for individuals and set limits on the powers of the monarchy, reinforcing the principles of constitutional governance.

John Locke:

An influential Enlightenment philosopher whose ideas on government, individual rights, and the social contract were significantly shaped by the events of the Glorious Revolution.