Mary II

Definition

Mary II was the queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1689 until her death in 1694. She ruled jointly with her husband, William of Orange, after they successfully overthrew her father, King James II, during the Glorious Revolution. This event marked a significant shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament, laying the groundwork for constitutional monarchy in England.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mary II was the daughter of King James II and his first wife, Anne Hyde, making her a key figure in the struggle between Catholicism and Protestantism in England.
2. She was raised as a Protestant in the Dutch Republic after her father fled to France following the Glorious Revolution.
3. Mary II and William III ruled together but faced various challenges, including ongoing conflicts with France and issues related to their limited power due to parliamentary authority.
4. Her reign saw the establishment of key political principles that would evolve into constitutional monarchy, such as regular sessions of Parliament and limitations on royal prerogative.
5. Mary's health was fragile throughout her life, and she suffered from smallpox before dying at age 32, leaving William to rule alone.

Review Questions

• How did Mary II's ascension to the throne contribute to the establishment of constitutional monarchy in England?
  • Mary II's rise to power marked a crucial moment in England's transition toward constitutional monarchy. Her joint rule with William of Orange was a direct result of the Glorious Revolution, which fundamentally changed the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament. The overthrow of James II established parliamentary supremacy, and Mary’s acceptance of this new order helped solidify the principles that would guide future governance.
• Analyze the impact of Mary II's reign on religious tensions in England during the late 17th century.
  • Mary II's reign significantly influenced religious tensions in England by reinforcing Protestant rule after years of Catholic leadership under her father, James II. Her governance aimed to stabilize the Protestant majority while navigating dissent from Catholics and nonconformists. The establishment of Protestant supremacy during her rule helped reduce immediate conflicts but also laid groundwork for ongoing religious divisions that would continue into later centuries.
• Evaluate the long-term significance of Mary II's partnership with William III on English governance and its implications for future monarchs.
  • The partnership between Mary II and William III had lasting implications for English governance by setting a precedent for shared authority between monarchs and Parliament. Their joint rule exemplified a move away from absolute monarchy toward a system where royal power was balanced by parliamentary power. This shift not only influenced subsequent rulers but also established a framework for modern democratic governance in England, emphasizing that monarchs would govern with respect for parliamentary authority.

Related terms

Glorious Revolution: The bloodless overthrow of King James II of England in 1688, which led to Mary II and her husband William of Orange ascending to the throne.

William of Orange: The husband of Mary II and co-monarch, who played a crucial role in the Glorious Revolution and in establishing Protestant rule in England.

Bill of Rights 1689: An act passed by Parliament that limited the powers of the monarchy and outlined the rights of Parliament and the individual, significantly influencing constitutional development.