glorious revolution Flashcards
revolutionary ideas (34 cards)
What event in 1688 indicated James II had lost the confidence of the political nation?
The birth of a Catholic heir to James II, which intensified fears of absolute monarchy.
This event led to increased tensions among Protestants who hoped for a Protestant succession.
What traditional interpretation describes the Glorious Revolution?
It was the result of a foreign invasion rather than being instigated by the native population of England.
This view emphasizes the role of William of Orange’s invasion.
Who characterized the Glorious Revolution as the least violent revolution known to history?
19th-century Whig historian Thomas Macaulay.
Macaulay compared it with the French Revolution.
What is the ‘Sensible Revolution’ as described by John Morrill?
The events of 1688-89 characterized by a moderate political consensus between Whigs and Tories.
Morrill’s interpretation suggests a more nuanced view of the revolution.
According to Marxist historians, what was the outcome of the Glorious Revolution?
It was a continuation of the ‘bourgeoisie revolution’ of 1649, benefiting the propertied classes.
Marxists argue that the economic interests of the propertied classes drove the revolution.
What philosophical view did many Whig MPs share regarding religious uniformity?
Enforcing religious uniformity would lead to social disorder.
This view aligns with John Locke’s beliefs about the impossibility of imposing a single ‘true religion.’
What was the main objection to James II’s Declaration of Indulgence in 1688?
It attempted to allow religious freedom for Catholics and overruled Parliament’s wishes.
This led to pamphleteering against the Declaration and increased opposition.
What was the significance of the Bill of Rights 1689?
It is a significant constitutional document that addressed abuses of royal prerogative and asserted parliamentary control over the military.
The Bill is often compared to the Magna Carta and the Petition of Right.
What did the Act of Settlement 1701 establish regarding the monarchy’s succession?
The succession would bypass potential Catholic heirs and vest in the House of Hanover.
This aimed to ensure a Protestant succession after Queen Anne.
How did the Bill of Rights affect the concept of divine right monarchy?
It damaged the concept, as monarchs could no longer claim authority from God but needed approval from Parliament.
This was a significant shift from previous monarchic claims.
What was the Whig view of the political settlement after the Revolution?
It was seen as a restoration of England’s ‘ancient constitution’ and a new beginning for constitutional monarchy.
This view became widely accepted in textbooks and historical narratives.
True or False: The Bill of Rights defined what constituted ‘free’ elections.
False.
The Bill was criticized for its vagueness regarding election definitions.
Fill in the blank: The Bill of Rights made it clear that a force could not be raised or kept in times of peace without the consent of _______.
parliament.
What did the clause regarding the monarch’s absence from Britain require?
The monarch needed permission from parliament to leave Britain.
This was rooted in concerns over William’s actions.
What did the Act of Settlement stipulate regarding judges?
Judges could no longer be dismissed without the consent of parliament.
This was a reaction to James II’s removal of disloyal judiciary members.
Who was the next suitable heir after Queen Anne according to the Act of Settlement?
George I of the House of Hanover.
He was the son of Sophia, granddaughter of James I.
What did historians generally agree upon regarding William’s invasion?
It was equally important in leading to a change in government.
William’s invasion was invited by those rejecting James II’s rule.
What was one of the main arguments made by Whigs for the deposition of James II?
He had broken a solemn contract with his people.
This view was influenced by John Locke’s ideas on governance.
What was the role of pamphleteering during James II’s reign?
It was used to oppose James’ Declaration of Indulgence and rally public sentiment against him.
Prominent figures like the Marquis of Halifax contributed to this movement.
What did John Locke advocate regarding rulers who behaved as absolute monarchs?
Citizens had the right to remove them.
Locke’s ideas provided a justification for the revolution.
What was the outcome of James II’s voluntary resignation?
It allowed the Revolution to take place without significant resistance from Parliament.
His resignation was crucial for the political transition.
What is presented as the supreme authority in the political system after the settlement according to Whig historians?
Parliament
This interpretation was notably presented in Edward Baldwin’s ‘The History of England for the Use of Schools’ (1806)
How do Marxist historians like Christopher Hill and A.L. Morton view the settlement?
They present it as creating a constitutional monarchy in the interests of the existing ruling elites.
What is the main argument of revisionist historians such as John Morrill regarding the Revolution?
They argue that the Revolution changed virtually nothing except the line of succession.