Glorious Revolution
Alex Walker
What is the glorious revolution?
The glorious revolution is a period in time that shifted the power in England from an absolute monarch to more of a parliamentary democracy. It was a nearly bloodless revolution that involved James II, Mary and William. William and Mary became the successors to James and instituted this new form of government.
Charles II
Charles II was said to be the rightful heir to the throne after Oliver Cromwell's death. During his rule, he had conflict with the parliament. Charles wanted an absolute rule, but a parliamentary form of government was in place. They both struggled for power and had to make compromises. He contributed to the glorious revolution because the divine right versus parliament was a major conflict throughout his rule.
James II
James II was the ruler after Charles II. He married a Catholic women, which caused problems for the people of England because they feared there would be a change of religion from Anglican to Catholic. He caused a rebellion and the tracing of the lineage to someone else. The people who were intolerant of James II, a political party known as the Whigs, called for a new ruler, which started the glorious revolution.
William and Mary
The lineage for a protestant ruler of England was traced to Mary. The people who did not approve of James II sent a letter to them asking if they would rule. William marched through England to the people in support of his rule. They defeated James and took control of England. Their co-monarchy allowed the parliament to have more power than the king. In addition, they added a new bill of rights. This change of government was the glorious revolution.
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver was the leader of the parliament before the glorious revolution. He was the leader during the civil war in England. This civil war was a result of the struggle for power between a king, Charles I, and parliament. Charles I lost and was eventually executed. His ideas were more democratic than the absolute monarchy that had been in place in England. The struggle for power is marked during Oliver Cromwell's leadership, which led to the revolution.