Chapter 16: Development of the Whig movement + a contract theory of government challenged royal absolutism Flashcards
whose beliefs influenced the Whigs in Westminster
John Locke
what were John Locke’s beliefs
- men were born free
- no one had the divine right to rule
what did John Locke reject
the Tory acceptance of greater royal authority
what did John Locke argue
- role of government was to protect basic freedoms
- if the government overstepped the mark by infringing upon those rights, then the people were entitled to remove its rulers
who was John Locke a friend and an advisor to
Earl of Shaftesbury, a founder of the Whig movement
what gave Whigs an opportunity to influence parliament to challenge the powers of the Crown
the Popish Plot
How did the Whigs challenge James’s succession to the throne
exclusion Billis in 1679-1681
how was the Whig movement well organised
- used political clubs in London, Bristol, Norwich and York
- and coffeehouses, to coordinate their actions and publicise current political debates
How was the press important to the Whig offensive
lapsing of the Licensing Act in 1679 made the circulation of Whig newspapers, political ballads and satirical prints increase
what did Whigs organise during the long prorogation of Parliament from May 1679 – October 1680
a sustained campaign of sending petitions to the King in which they called for the early recall of parliament
what was the effect of the mass burnings of the pope in effigy in November 1679
illustrated the ability of the Whigs to mobilize support outside, as well as within, the propertied classes
what was a strong belief the Whigs held in relation to monarchy
in the right to challenge monarchy
how were the Whigs discredited
by the Rye House plot of 1683
