Lecture: The Dutch Conquest and the Glorious Revolution of 1688

Introduction

• England was conquered twice by a William:
  • William the Conqueror in 1066 (Norman)
  • William of Orange in 1688 (Dutch)
• Dutch conquest significantly transformed England and the world.

Monarchy and Despotism

• Henry VIII - Icon of absolute monarchy.
• Act of Supremacy (1534) by Henry VIII made him head of the Church of England.
• Charles II ruled without Parliament towards the end of his reign with support from the Church of England and Louis XIV of France.
• James II succeeded Charles II in 1685, despite being a Catholic in Protestant England.

James II's Reign

• James II’s Catholicism conflicted with his role as head of the Protestant Church of England.
• Initially promising support for the Church of England, James II aimed to spread Catholicism.
• Revocation of the Edict of Nantes by Louis XIV in France caused fear in England about Catholic rule.

Monmouth Rebellion

• James, Duke of Monmouth, led a failed rebellion against James II.
• Monmouth was captured and executed.

James II's Policies and Challenges

• James II appointed Catholic officers in violation of the Test Act.
• Dismissed Parliament when opposed.
• Used royal dispensation to bypass anti-Catholic laws.
• Conflict with the Church of England, which was significant in his loss of support.

Birth of a Catholic Heir

• Mary of Modena, James II's wife, gave birth to a male heir, James Francis Edward, in 1688.
• Raised fears of a prolonged Catholic monarchy.

William of Orange's Invasion

• William of Orange was invited to invade England by English nobles.
• Assembled a large fleet and landed in England in November 1688.
• James II fled to France after losing support and confidence.

Glorious Revolution

• William and Mary became joint monarchs of England in 1689.
• The Bill of Rights established a constitutional monarchy:
  • Monarch could not suspend laws, raise taxes, or have a standing army without Parliament consent.
  • Monarch must be Protestant.

Aftermath and Legacy

• James II attempted to reclaim the throne with French support but was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne.
• William and Mary’s reign marked the rise of a constitutional monarchy.
• The transition marked England's move towards becoming a modern state.

Conclusion

• The abolition of absolute monarchy and establishment of constitutional monarchy laid the groundwork for modern governance in England.

Key Figures

• Henry VIII: Established Act of Supremacy.
• Charles II: Predecessor of James II, near-absolute rule.
• James II: Catholic king, deposed after inviting William of Orange.
• William of Orange: Invaded and took the throne, established constitutional monarchy.
• Mary of Modena: James II’s Catholic wife, mother of James Francis Edward.

Important Events

• Monmouth Rebellion: Failed resistance against James II.
• Glorious Revolution: Peaceful transition of power to William III and Mary II.
• Battle of the Boyne: Defeat of James II by William III.