Glorious Revolution | Famous Books for UPSC Exam (Summary & Tests) PDF Download

Introduction

The Glorious Revolution refers to a pivotal event in British history that took place in 1688-1689. It involved the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne. This bloodless revolution had far-reaching consequences, shaping the constitutional framework of England and influencing the development of parliamentary democracy. The Glorious Revolution marked a significant shift in power from the monarchy to Parliament and set the stage for the subsequent development of a constitutional monarchy.

Background

• James II's Reign: James II, a Catholic monarch, ascended to the English throne in 1685 following the death of his brother, Charles II. His religious beliefs and policies antagonized the predominantly Protestant population, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
• Religious Tensions: England was predominantly Protestant, and James II's open support for Catholicism heightened religious tensions. His efforts to promote Catholic interests and grant religious freedoms to Catholics sparked concerns among Protestants and other religious groups.
• Birth of a Heir: James II's second wife, Mary of Modena, gave birth to a son in June 1688, sparking fears among Protestants that a Catholic succession was imminent. This prompted a group of influential figures to take action against James II's rule.

Events of the Glorious Revolution

• Invitation to William of Orange: In June 1688, a group of English nobles and political leaders sent an invitation to William of Orange, the Protestant husband of James II's daughter, Mary. They requested his intervention to protect English liberties and uphold Protestantism.
• William's Invasion: William of Orange assembled an army and landed in England in November 1688. His forces quickly gained support from various factions, including the nobility, the Church of England, and the general populace.
• James II's Flight: Faced with a significant loss of support, James II fled London in December 1688. He attempted to flee to France but was captured by fishermen and returned to London. He later escaped to France under more favorable circumstances.
• Convention Parliament: In January 1689, a Convention Parliament was convened to determine the future of England's monarchy. The Parliament declared that James II had abdicated the throne and offered it jointly to William and Mary.
• Bill of Rights: The Convention Parliament enacted the Bill of Rights in December 1689. This document outlined the rights and liberties of the English people, such as the right to petition, freedom from excessive bail, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. It also restricted the powers of the monarchy and affirmed the authority of Parliament.

Consequences and Significance

• Constitutional Monarchy: The Glorious Revolution laid the foundation for a constitutional monarchy in England. It established the principle that the monarch's power is subject to the law and limited by the consent of Parliament.
• Act of Settlement: The Act of Settlement in 1701 further solidified the Protestant succession by excluding Catholics from inheriting the throne. It ensured that the monarch must be a Protestant and paved the way for a more religiously tolerant society.
• Parliamentary Sovereignty: The Glorious Revolution strengthened the authority of Parliament and established parliamentary sovereignty. It marked a significant shift in power from the monarchy to the elected representatives of the people.
• Influence on Other Nations: The Glorious Revolution had a profound influence on other nations, inspiring movements for constitutional reform and challenging the idea of absolute monarchy. Its impact extended to the American colonies, where the principles of the revolution shaped the thinking of the Founding Fathers during the American Revolution.