Politics Flashcards
(8 cards)
James II becomes king
- 1685
- Despite efforts in exclusion parliaments 1679-1681, Charles II stood his ground
- James was to be king in name only with real power exercised by William and Mary
- Began with position of power; with strong tory parliament (many whigs chose not to stand) and subsidies of £2 million annually
- Character similar to Charles I, inflexible and determined
Loyal Parliament
1685
- 57/525 MPs whigs; nearly 400 were new members
- £1.6 million annually, extra subsidies led to £2 million a year
- Post November 1685 they did not meet; theoretically lasting from 1685 to 1687
- Idea of “non-resistance and passive obedience”
Argyll’s rising
- Scotland 1685
- Weak and easily defeated
- Strengthened James’ position
Monmouth’s rebellion
June-July 1685
- “pitchfork rebellion” poorly armed
- Charles’ illegitimate son, well liked as replacement
- Rebel force of 4,000 easily defeated
Battle of Sedgemoor
6 July 1685
- James wins
- Monmouth taken to London and executed; Jeffreys known for harsh punishments, executioner booed for botched execution
- James’ position strengthened- but harshness caused unpopularity
- Catholic officers allowed to serve in army- constitutionally acceptable, but James refused to remove them from army which caused fear (swore loyalty to king, not parliament)
Expansion of James’ army
- Granted 10 December 1685
- 20,000 troops, Parliamentary support increased after rebellions
Appointment of Catholics
- Begins 1686
- 4 Catholics to Privy Council
- 250 Catholic JPs
- Rochester (Treasury) replaced with Catholic Lord Belasyse
- Clarendon replaced with Earl of Tyrconnell- Catholic as Lord Lieutenant of Ireland
Parliament dissolved
1687
- Along with Judge Jeffreys, began planning to fill the next Parliament with toleration supporters and Catholics
- 14 Lords Lieutenants and 75% of JPs dismissed
