How revolutionary, in the years to 1701, was the Glorious Revolution of 1688–89?

Why did James II lose the confidence of the political nation by 1688?

He was openly Catholic, attempted to increase royal power, bypassed Parliament, and appeared to be creating an absolutist monarchy similar to that of Louis XIV in France.

What event in June 1688 transformed the succession crisis?

The birth of James II's son created the prospect of a permanent Catholic dynasty and displaced his Protestant daughter Mary as heir.

Why was the Glorious Revolution traditionally described as 'bloodless'?

James II fled without major fighting in England and power transferred relatively peacefully to William and Mary.

Why is the term 'bloodless revolution' misleading?

Significant violence occurred in Ireland and Scotland, particularly during William's campaigns against James II's supporters.

What is meant by the 'bourgeois revolution' interpretation of 1688?

The Revolution secured political power for wealthy landowners and merchants by limiting royal authority and protecting property rights.

Why did many people oppose James II's religious policies?

They feared his promotion of Catholicism threatened the Protestant Church and traditional constitutional government.

What was the significance of the Declaration of Indulgence?

It suspended penal laws against Catholics and Protestant dissenters using royal prerogative powers, alarming many politicians.

Why did the Seven Bishops become symbols of resistance to James II?

They refused to support the Declaration of Indulgence, were arrested, and their acquittal was celebrated as a victory against royal overreach.

Why was William of Orange invited to intervene in England?

Leading politicians feared a Catholic succession and wanted to protect Protestantism and parliamentary government.

Why was James II's flight important to the success of the Revolution?

His departure allowed Parliament to claim he had abandoned the throne rather than being formally deposed.

What idea about government was strengthened by the Revolution of 1688–89?

The monarch ruled according to law and in partnership with Parliament rather than through absolute authority.

How did Parliament settle the crown in 1689?

It offered the throne jointly to William III and Mary II.

What was the Declaration of Rights?

A statement of constitutional principles presented to William and Mary before they accepted the throne.

What became the Bill of Rights (1689)?

The Declaration of Rights was later enacted as law by Parliament.

What did the Bill of Rights say about suspending laws?

The monarch could not suspend laws without Parliament's consent.

What did the Bill of Rights say about dispensing powers?

The monarch could not ignore or set aside laws without Parliament's approval.

What did the Bill of Rights say about taxation?

Taxes could not be raised without parliamentary consent.

What did the Bill of Rights say about standing armies?

A standing army could not be maintained in peacetime without Parliament's approval.

How did the Bill of Rights strengthen Parliament?

It limited royal prerogative powers and confirmed Parliament's central role in government.

What were the Mutiny Acts?

Annual laws allowing military discipline to be enforced, requiring the monarch to call Parliament regularly.

Why were the Mutiny Acts significant?

They increased Parliament's control over the army.

How did the Revolution Settlement affect the monarchy?

It created a constitutional monarchy in which royal power was limited by law and Parliament.

How did the Act of Settlement (1701) secure a Protestant succession?

It named Sophia of Hanover's descendants as heirs and excluded Catholics from the throne.

Who was designated heir under the Act of Settlement?

The Protestant House of Hanover.

How did the Act of Settlement strengthen judicial independence?

Judges could no longer be removed solely at the monarch's will.

Why did Parliament want greater judicial independence?

To prevent monarchs manipulating courts for political purposes.

What restrictions did the Act of Settlement place on foreign-born monarchs?

They could not involve Britain in wars for their own territories without parliamentary approval.

What long-term constitutional effect did the Act of Settlement have?

It increased parliamentary influence over the succession and the monarchy.

Who was the first recognised Prime Minister?

Robert Walpole, from 1721.

Why did the office of Prime Minister emerge?

Growing government complexity required a leading minister to coordinate policy and parliamentary support.

What compromise helped achieve a religious settlement in 1689?

Parliament granted limited toleration to Protestant dissenters while maintaining the established Church.

What was the Toleration Act (1689)?

An act granting freedom of worship to many Protestant dissenters.

What conditions did dissenters have to meet under the Toleration Act?

They had to swear loyalty to the Crown and reject papal authority.

Which groups were excluded from the Toleration Act?

Catholics and non-Trinitarians.

Why was the Toleration Act limited in scope?

It granted worship rights but not full political equality.

Why did the Test and Corporation Acts remain important after 1689?

They prevented many dissenters from holding public office.

How did the Toleration Act change English religion?

It weakened the ideal of complete religious uniformity under the Church of England.

Why did William III sometimes clash with the Whigs?

He believed some Whigs were too radical and preferred broader political support.

Who were the Whig Junto?

A group of influential Whig politicians who dominated government during the 1690s.

Why did the Whig Junto support war against France?

They wanted to defend Protestant Europe and limit French power.

What was the Triennial Act (1694)?

An act requiring Parliament to be summoned regularly and elections to occur at least every three years.

What was the 'Rage of Party'?

A period of intense rivalry between Whigs and Tories after 1694.

Why did party politics become more important after 1689?

Frequent elections and parliamentary government increased political competition.

What happened when the Licensing Act lapsed in 1695?

Press censorship declined and political debate expanded.

Why was the growth of the press significant?

It increased public engagement in politics and elections.

What was the Bill of Resumption (1699)?

A parliamentary attempt to reclaim Irish lands granted by William III to favourites.

Why was the Bill of Resumption important?

It demonstrated Parliament's willingness to challenge royal decisions.

What was the Civil List Act (1697)?

A settlement granting the monarch a fixed annual income for civil government.

Why was the Civil List significant?

It increased parliamentary control over royal finances.

How did the Civil List strengthen Parliament?

Military funding still required parliamentary approval, forcing regular cooperation.

What was the Nine Years' War (1688–97)?

A major European conflict between Louis XIV and the League of Augsburg.

Why did England join the Nine Years' War?

To prevent French dominance of Europe and defend the balance of power.

What was the Treaty of Ryswick (1697)?

The treaty that ended the Nine Years' War.

What did Louis XIV agree to in the Treaty of Ryswick?

He recognised William III as King of England and ended support for James II.

How did government finance change after 1688?

Parliament developed more reliable taxation and borrowing systems.

What was the Land Tax?

A major tax introduced in 1692 that became an important source of government revenue.

Why were excise taxes important?

They generated significant revenue from everyday goods.

What was the Financial Revolution?

The development of new systems of taxation, borrowing, and banking that strengthened the state.

What was the National Debt?

Money borrowed by the government and guaranteed by Parliament.

Why was the National Debt significant?

It allowed governments to raise large sums for war and administration.

How was the Bank of England created?

A group of investors loaned money to the government in return for incorporation as the Bank of England in 1694.

Why was the Bank of England important?

It improved government borrowing and financial stability.

What problem did the Recoinage Act (1696) address?

The widespread clipping and counterfeiting of silver coins.

Why was recoinage necessary?

Many coins had lost value through clipping, creating economic instability.

How did financial reforms affect the monarchy?

The Crown became increasingly dependent on Parliament for revenue.

What was the most important consequence of the Glorious Revolution?

It established parliamentary supremacy and a constitutional monarchy while securing a Protestant succession.