The Glorious Revolution

Definition

The Glorious Revolution refers to the bloodless overthrow of King James II of England in 1688, which led to the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne. This event established constitutional monarchy in England, marking a pivotal shift in power dynamics between the monarchy and Parliament. It set important precedents for governance and the rights of citizens that influenced political thought in Europe and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glorious Revolution was largely motivated by fears of Catholic absolutism under James II, as he attempted to increase his power and favor Catholicism.
2. It was significant for establishing parliamentary sovereignty, meaning that Parliament became the supreme legal authority in England.
3. The revolution was supported by various groups, including Protestant dissenters and Whigs, who sought to limit royal power.
4. The events leading to the Glorious Revolution included the birth of James II's son, which raised concerns about a Catholic dynasty in England.
5. The Glorious Revolution inspired other movements towards constitutional governance around the world, influencing revolutions in America and France.

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 firmly establishing the principle of parliamentary sovereignty. After overthrowing James II, William III and Mary II accepted the throne with conditions that limited royal power and emphasized the authority of Parliament. This led to a constitutional monarchy where Parliament had significant influence over governance, setting a crucial precedent for future democratic developments.
• In what ways did the events surrounding the Glorious Revolution reflect wider political tensions in late 17th-century England?
  • The events leading up to the Glorious Revolution illustrated significant political tensions between those who supported absolute monarchy and those who advocated for parliamentary governance. James II's attempts to consolidate power and promote Catholicism alarmed Protestant factions and Parliament members. The fear of a Catholic succession intensified these tensions, ultimately culminating in a revolution that emphasized the necessity of limiting monarchical authority in favor of a more balanced governmental structure.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Glorious Revolution on modern democratic principles and governance.
  • The Glorious Revolution had profound long-term effects on modern democratic principles by laying groundwork for constitutional law and civil liberties. The acceptance of the Bill of Rights in 1689 reinforced key concepts like individual rights, religious tolerance, and checks on government power. These principles not only shaped British politics but also inspired revolutionary movements across Europe and North America, promoting ideas about democracy, individual freedoms, and the role of government that are fundamental to contemporary political systems.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A system of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, limiting the powers of the monarchy.

Bill of Rights 1689: An act passed by Parliament that limited the powers of the monarchy and outlined specific rights for citizens, establishing principles of parliamentary sovereignty.

William and Mary: The joint rulers of England after the Glorious Revolution, who accepted the throne under the condition that they respect the rights of Parliament.