Mary, also known as Mary II of England, was a queen who ruled jointly with her husband, William of Orange, after the Glorious Revolution in 1688. Her reign marked a significant shift in English politics and monarchy, as it established constitutional principles that limited royal power and expanded parliamentary authority, paving the way for modern democracy in England.
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Mary II was born on April 30, 1662, and was the daughter of King James II and Anne Hyde.
She became queen alongside William III after they accepted the throne in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution, which resulted from opposition to her father's Catholicism and perceived absolutism.
Mary II's reign saw the establishment of Protestantism as the dominant religion in England after centuries of religious conflict.
Although she ruled jointly with William III, Mary had a significant impact on governance and supported efforts to strengthen Parliament's role in government.
Mary II's reign was short-lived; she died in 1694 from smallpox, leaving William III to rule alone.
Review Questions
How did Mary II's ascent to the throne affect the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament?
Mary II's ascent to the throne during the Glorious Revolution significantly altered the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament. With Mary and her husband William accepting the crown under conditions that limited royal authority, it reinforced parliamentary sovereignty. This shift laid the groundwork for a constitutional monarchy, where Parliament gained more power over governance while royal prerogatives were curtailed.
Analyze the implications of Mary II's religious background on her reign and its impact on England during her time.
Mary II’s strong Protestant background greatly influenced her reign during a time when England was deeply divided by religion. Her ascension as a Protestant queen followed her father's Catholic rule, which had sparked considerable opposition. This transition helped solidify Protestantism's dominance in England and led to lasting changes in religious policy and social dynamics. It represented a critical moment in English history that signified both religious and political transformations.
Evaluate how Mary II's joint rule with William of Orange symbolizes a turning point in English history regarding monarchy and governance.
Mary II’s joint rule with William of Orange symbolizes a significant turning point in English history as it marked the establishment of constitutional monarchy. The Glorious Revolution demonstrated that a monarch could be deposed without bloodshed when public sentiment turned against them. Their rule emphasized parliamentary supremacy through documents like the Bill of Rights 1689, which limited monarchical power and ensured that future governance would prioritize democratic principles over absolute rule. This paved the way for modern democratic governance in England.
William of Orange was Mary II's husband and co-monarch who played a crucial role in the Glorious Revolution by leading an invasion that deposed her father, King James II.
The Glorious Revolution was a bloodless coup in 1688 that resulted in the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of Mary II and William of Orange to the throne, establishing constitutional monarchy in England.
Bill of Rights 1689: The Bill of Rights 1689 was an important document that outlined specific limits on royal authority and affirmed the rights of Parliament, enacted following Mary II and William of Orange's ascension to the throne.