Western Civilization Question?

Question

What exactly was the "Glorious Revolution" and what effect did it have on England?

Answer 1

In English history, the Glorious Revolution refers to the accession of William and Mary to the throne in a "bloodless revolution."

In 1685, Charles II was succeeded as king by his brother, James II. The Stuart line had always been suspect because of their adherence to Roman Catholicism, a matter of great concern in largely Protestant England. James made a bad situation worse by appointing numerous Catholics to high office and by fathering a son who, presumably, would be Catholic and the future monarch.

Protestant opponents of the king issued an invitation to William of Orange, a Dutch prince, and his wife Mary, the eldest daughter of James II to come to England. William answered the call and brought with him an army; James' forces quickly deserted and joined those of William. James fled to France.

Parliament granted the crown jointly to William and Mary in exchange for their adherence of a Bill of Rights. The Glorious Revolution was another step in the shift of power from the monarchy to Parliament.