Causes of the Glorious Revolution (1688)

?
  • Created by: lou9119
  • Created on: 06-02-18 16:32

The 7 Bishops

In 88 James issued another Dec of Indulgence and ordered it be read in every parish. 7 bishops refused and were arrested, tried and acquitted. When James' wife gave birth to a son 2 days later the prospect of a catholic heir became reality. 

1 of 4

Collapse of Royal Power - Invitation to William

7 leading political figured signed a letter in summer of 88 inviting William of Orange to intervene in England with an armed force. They viewed William as the legitimate heir because he married Mary. William accepted the invitation for these two reasons: 

1) Those who signed represented the political elite in England. They consisted of 5 Whigs and 2 Tories and Earl of Shrewsbury (who had been raised a Catholic before being persuaded to convert to Anglicanism.) The letter stated that 19/20 in the nation desired change. William had already been considering this invasion. 

2)William was involved in founding the League of Augsburg with a number of European nations in 86, in order to restrict Louis XIV's France. The ensuing Nine Years War (88-97) became the central focus of William's political and military career and he knew that with England in the war the balance of resources would be tipped against Louis. 

2 of 4

Collapse of Royal Power - The Invasion

William was well supplied with over 500 ships and 21,000 men and he eventually landed on Torbay after a series of delays, in Nov 88. His victory was not certain as James had almost double the army size and an effective one. James ammassed his forces on Salisbury Plain but realising his hastily assembled troops were inferiror in experience and equipment he retreated, notably in complete hysteria with repeated nosebleeds. Giving William a clear path to London. 

3 of 4

Collapse of Royal Power - James leaves the throne

William's forces marched toward London in December and with supporters deserting him James attempted to flee to France. He was captured in Kent; knowing the trial would be drawn-out and he would have to decide on James' fate, William allowed him to escape and join the court of Louis XIV. 

William's supporters could claim that James had abdicated the throne and the office of monarch was vacant thus legitimising William's rule. The versions of events was taken up by Whig historians in the 18th and 19th century, but has been questioned by others who see the GR as a Dutch Invasion (i.e. DAVID SPARKEY!)

4 of 4

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »See all British monarchy - Tudors and Stuarts resources »