The Glorious Revolution and the English Empire

Learning Objectives

• Identify the causes of the Glorious Revolution
• Explain the outcomes of the Glorious Revolution

James II and the Glorious Revolution

• Concerns under James II:

  • James II's rule modeled after Louis XIV of France, centralizing power and imposing Catholic rule.
  • Fear of a Catholic absolute monarchy.
  • James II's conversion to Catholicism and the birth of a Catholic heir alarmed English Protestants.
  • Modernization of the army and navy; maintenance of a standing army feared as a threat to liberty.

• Dominion of New England:

  • Created in 1686, included New England colonies and later New York and New Jersey.
  • Governed by Sir Edmund Andros, loyal to James II, causing unrest among Puritans and enforcing Navigation Acts.

• Whig Party Opposition:

  • Whigs opposed James II's centralized Catholic state.
  • Successfully deposed James II in 1688, celebrated as the Glorious Revolution.
  • William III and Mary II took the throne in 1689.

• Impact on Colonies:

  • 1689: Bostonians overthrow Dominion of New England's government, jail Andros.
  • Jacob Leisler leads rebellion in New York, executed for treason after assuming power.

English Liberty

• 1689 Bill of Rights:

  • Established constitutional monarchy and limited the king's power.
  • Ensured Parliament's independence and rights like freedom of speech, regular elections.
  • Guaranteed rights to English subjects such as trial by jury, habeas corpus.

• John Locke's Influence:

  • Published "Two Treatises of Government" in 1690, advocating a government contract between leaders and people.
  • Rejected divine right of kings, emphasizing Parliament's role and limited monarchy.
  • Influential on future colonial governance concepts.

• English Toleration Act of 1689:

  • Allowed religious diversity, granting tolerance to nonconformist Trinitarian Protestants.
  • Did not extend tolerance to Catholics.
  • Influenced religious freedom in colonies like Pennsylvania, Rhode Island.

Section Summary

• Key Changes:
  • Overthrow of James II led to Protestant monarchy restoration and limited monarchy power.
  • The 1689 Bill of Rights and thinkers like John Locke shaped new government models.
  • Events of the Glorious Revolution remembered as a defense of liberty.

Review Question

1. What was the outcome of the Glorious Revolution?
   • James II overthrown, William III and Mary II ascended the throne.
   • 1689 Bill of Rights limited monarchy power and secured parliamentary rights.
   • Overthrow of Edmund Andros in Massachusetts.

Glossary

• Dominion of New England: Consolidation of New England colonies under James II.
• Glorious Revolution: Overthrow of James II in 1688.
• Nonconformists: Protestants not adhering to Church of England practices.