James II's reign

Definition

James II's reign (1685-1688) was characterized by his attempt to assert royal absolutism in England, promoting Catholicism and challenging the established Protestant order. His actions, including the suspension of laws and appointment of Catholics to key positions, led to widespread opposition and ultimately the Glorious Revolution, which resulted in his ousting.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. James II was the last Catholic monarch of England, which created tensions with the predominantly Protestant population and Parliament.
2. His issuance of the Declaration of Indulgence in 1687 aimed to grant religious freedom to Catholics and dissenters, causing outrage among many English Protestants.
3. James II's use of the royal prerogative to bypass Parliament and appoint Catholics to military and governmental positions heightened fears of a return to absolute rule.
4. The birth of James's son in 1688 led to increased fears of a Catholic dynasty, prompting the invitation to William of Orange to invade England.
5. James II's flight to France after the Glorious Revolution marked a significant turning point in English history, solidifying parliamentary sovereignty over royal authority.

Review Questions

• How did James II's belief in the Divine Right of Kings influence his policies and actions during his reign?
  • James II's belief in the Divine Right of Kings significantly influenced his autocratic policies, leading him to disregard Parliament and impose Catholic appointments within the government. He viewed his authority as divinely ordained, which justified his attempts to govern without parliamentary consent. This approach alienated many Protestants and political factions, ultimately contributing to widespread unrest against his rule.
• Analyze how the Declaration of Indulgence reflected James II’s broader goals for England during his reign.
  • The Declaration of Indulgence issued by James II reflected his broader goals of establishing religious tolerance and promoting Catholicism within a predominantly Protestant society. By suspending laws that penalized Catholics and dissenters, he aimed to consolidate power and create a more inclusive governance structure. However, this move was perceived as a direct challenge to Protestant norms, leading to significant backlash from both Parliament and the populace, which fueled opposition against him.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of James II's reign on the development of constitutional monarchy in England.
  • James II's reign had lasting impacts on the evolution of constitutional monarchy in England, as his absolutist tendencies directly led to the Glorious Revolution. His ousting set a precedent for parliamentary supremacy over royal prerogative, ultimately resulting in the Bill of Rights 1689. This document restricted monarchical power and affirmed civil liberties, laying foundational principles for modern democracy in Britain and influencing governance structures worldwide.

Related terms

Glorious Revolution:

The event in 1688 when James II was overthrown and William of Orange took the throne, marking a shift towards constitutional monarchy in England.

Divine Right of Kings:

The political doctrine that asserts a monarch's legitimacy is derived directly from God, a belief James II strongly supported.

Bill of Rights 1689: A landmark act that limited the powers of the monarchy and outlined the rights of Parliament and citizens, established after James II's reign.