Given recent events in American politics, I wanted to read a short history of perhaps the most bloodless revolution in Western history: the so-called “Glorious Revolution” of 1688 in England. In the short time on his thrown, King James II, a Roman Catholic, had sought to exert supreme power over England, which had been Protestant for some time. Though no polls existed then, he grew unpopular with an estimated 19/20 people against him. The English feared that he would ally with France to subvert English interests against their historical rival. Parliament, disbanded many times, was unable to check his power.
So James’ son-in-law William of Orange and daughter Mary, then living in the Netherlands, invaded England with an army. No fighting occurred since many of James’ officers were Protestants and shared little allegiance to James. James and his family fled to France, and William and Mary were declared co-sovereigns. Though a few deaths occurred, the revolution did not cause widespread fighting in stark contrast to England’s prior religious civil wars. From these events, the modern British system of a constitutional monarchy, led by Parliament, not the Sovereign, came about. Notably, religious toleration and a bill of rights became official governmental policy.
This short story provided me the overview that I wanted. It sticks closely to the narrative outline and does not enter into academic debates about historical items. That said, it’s probably not interesting to those already familiar with the historical narrative. At shortly over one hour, it does not attempt to serve as anything else but a summary.
The Glorious Revolution: The History of the Overthrow of King James II of England by William of Orange
By Charles River Editors
Narrated by Scott Clem
Copyright (c) 2017
Charles River Editors
ASIN B01N9XGVWU
Length: 1:10
Genre: British History
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