Glorious Revolution

Definition

The Glorious Revolution refers to the relatively bloodless overthrow of King James II of England in 1688, which led to the establishment of William and Mary as co-monarchs. This event is significant as it affirmed the principles of constitutional monarchy and the idea that sovereignty resides with Parliament, influencing modern democratic thought and the protection of individual rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Glorious Revolution marked the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy in England, where the power of the monarchy was limited by law.
2. The revolution was driven by fears of Catholic absolutism under James II and a desire for religious tolerance and parliamentary sovereignty.
3. As a result of the revolution, the Bill of Rights 1689 was enacted, establishing key civil liberties and affirming Parliament's authority over the monarchy.
4. The Glorious Revolution inspired other countries to pursue similar democratic reforms and served as a model for future revolutions, such as the American and French revolutions.
5. This event also solidified John Locke's ideas about government accountability and the protection of natural rights, which became foundational to modern liberal democracy.

Review Questions

• How did the Glorious Revolution change the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament in England?
  • The Glorious Revolution significantly altered the balance of power by limiting the authority of the monarchy and enhancing parliamentary sovereignty. After King James II was overthrown, William and Mary accepted the throne with conditions that required them to govern in accordance with parliamentary laws. This shift established a constitutional monarchy where Parliament held greater control over governance, marking a crucial step towards modern democracy.
• In what ways did John Locke's philosophies influence the outcomes of the Glorious Revolution?
  • John Locke's philosophies were pivotal during and after the Glorious Revolution. His belief in natural rights emphasized that individuals possess inherent rights to life, liberty, and property that governments must protect. The revolution reflected Locke's ideas about governmental responsibility, leading to the establishment of a system where rulers could be held accountable for their actions. This influence paved the way for constitutional governance and inspired democratic thought across Europe.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Glorious Revolution on modern liberal democracy across the globe.
  • The long-term implications of the Glorious Revolution on modern liberal democracy are profound and far-reaching. By establishing constitutional limits on monarchy and affirming the supremacy of Parliament, it laid foundational principles for representative government. The ideas stemming from this revolution influenced various democratic movements worldwide, promoting concepts like individual rights and government accountability. These principles became integral to many democratic societies, shaping their political structures and protecting citizens' rights against tyranny.

Related terms

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government in which a monarch shares power with a constitutionally organized government, ensuring that laws are made by elected representatives.

Social Contract:

A philosophical theory that suggests individuals consent to form a government and abide by its rules in exchange for protection of their natural rights.

Natural Rights:

Fundamental rights that every individual possesses inherently, such as life, liberty, and property, which the government must respect.