A. James II and the Collapse of the Stuart Monarchy

How much support did James II have after his ascension in 1685? Where from? Give evidence.

1) He was in a strong position.
2) He had support from a Tory parliament and the Anglican church
Proof: he was granted a generous financial settlement.

When was Monmouth's Rebellion?

June 1685

Why was the Monmouth Rebellion a failure? (x2 reasons, 1 consequence/evidence)

1) Monmouth's supporters had no support from the political elite and 2) were ill-equipped and easily defeated. (consequence: Monmouth was beheaded.)

What was James II main aim upon his ascension?

To establish religious freedom and legal equality for Catholics.

How did James' actions with regards to public offices that increased paranoia?

He appointed Catholics to a number of offices e.g. Privy Council, Army, university fellowships

How was James able to allow Catholics into office despite Parliament?

He used his royal prerogative to issue personal dispensations.

When was the Godden vs Hales case and what was its significance?

1686; Godden (a coachman) prosecuted Hales (a military commander) for holding office without denying transubstantiation (the test act). It was ruled that only the King could decide the verdict (would allow James to protect several catholics holding public office)

Why were fears that James was attempting to establish catholic supremacy heightened? (who? what happened? consequence)

Who: In France Louis XIV had established an absolute monarchy
What: he revoked the Edict of Nantes (1685)
Consequence: beginning the persecution of the Huguenots - caused an influx of protestant refugees in england.

When did James order the Declaration of Indulgence to be read from every pulpit?

1688

How many Bishops refused to read the Declaration of Indulgence? What happened to them?

1) 7
2) James had them taken to court for sedition but they were acquitted by a London jury amid public celebration.

When did Mary of Modena give birth to a son?

June 1688

What was rumoured about James' son? Why was this child a threat?

1) It was rumoured that the child was not theirs.
2) A son would take precedence over James' protestant daughters and threatened to establish a permanent catholic monarchy in England.

What happened in the summer of 1688? (what, who - why is the who significant)

What: A letter, was sent to William of Orange inviting him to invade England.
Who: signed by 7 leading political figures who represented the political elite (Whigs, Tories and Anglicans)
Significance: James' blatant promotion of catholicism was enough to unite the divided factions of enlish politics.

Why did William of Orange accept the proposal? (x2)

1. The range of factions that signed the letter showed that there would be widespread support for William in England
2. William would be able to secure English support in his war against Louis XIV to ensure the survival of the Dutch Republic.

When did William's forces land in Devon?

November 1688

What happened as William approached London? (x3)

1) James panicked, he could not rely on the army and therefore fled.
2) He was captured and returned to London.
3) William left him lightly guarded and allowed him to escape again to France.

What was the significance of James leaving the throne vacant? (x3)

1) The legacy of the Civil War and Charles execution was still present
2) Lack of public execution made sure that James was not made into a martyr
3) The political elite were able to claim that James had abdicated

How did James' actions with regards to local enforcement increase parliament's fear of catholicism?

Replaced over 200 protestant JPs with Catholics

How did James' actions with regards to religon increase fears of catholicism?

Set up an Ecclesiastical Commission with similar powers Charles I's Prerogative Court of High Commission (as abolished in 1641)

How did James' actions with regards to the dispensation of legislation fuel parliament's fears of catholicism?

Issued a Declaration of Indulgence to Catholics and dissenters in 1687