The Glorious Revolution1688-1689

This Revolution came at the end of a reign when James II had made it all too clear that he wanted Roman Catholicism reinstalled as the country’s

religion.

The policies of James II had caused much discontent in both Whig and Tory parties. As a result, leading politicians took it upon themselves to send an invitation to William of Orange invitating the protestant William to take the throne of the country-along with his wife Mary( James II ‘s daughter).

Whig and Tory parties

Whig and Tory were members of the opposing political parties in England

during the 18th century . Whig was a term applied to those who claimed the

power of excluding the heir from the throne, while Tory was applied to those

who supported the hereditary right of James despite his Roman Catholic faith.

The December 1688 Bill of Rights declared that James had abdicated and that the Crown had legally passed to William and Mary and their heirs. The political unity shown in the removal of James from the throne did not last long.

In 1869 William called a Parliament which passed the necessary legislation that the Revolution required.

AS A RESULT ...

Since the Bill Rights which made England a constitutional monarchy, the government of Britain has become more democratic because decisions are made by a group of people who are elected rather by one person who inherits the throne by birthright.

The Bill of rights had ensured that Anne would be the rightful heir after William and Mary.

This Revolution led to Rebellion the Future American Colonies.