The Significance of the Glorious Revolution and the Revolutionary Settlement

The Significance of the Glorious Revolution and the Revolutionary Settlement

Political Implications

  • Transition to constitutional monarchy: The Glorious Revolution signified the end of Royal absolutism and transition to constitutional monarchy, with more power given to Parliament.
  • Bill of Rights (1689): This important constitutional document limited the power of the monarch, protected parliamentary privileges, and restated law matters, setting the stage for a modern democratic government.
  • Revolutionary Settlement: Under William of Orange, this collection of laws aimed to ensure that a Roman Catholic could not sit on the English throne.
  • Continuity vs. Change: While it marked significant constitutional change, the Glorious Revolution was less violent and revolutionary than the Civil War and change was relatively peaceful, leaving room for debate on the extent of its ‘revolutionary’ nature.

Religious Implications

  • Ending Catholic monarchy: The Glorious Revolution deposed Catholic King James II, ending the possibility of a Catholic monarchy and confirming Anglicanism as the dominant faith.
  • Toleration Act (1689): This allowed freedom of worship to non-conformists, though Anglicanism remained the established church, showing limited religious tolerance.

Social Implications

  • Celebration of ‘liberty’: The Glorious Revolution was seen as a victory for English ‘liberty’, reinforcing ideas of English exceptionalism.
  • Limited social effect: Despite its political impact, the Glorious Revolution had little immediate social effect, unlike the dramatic shifts during the Civil War period.

Economic Implications

  • Financial power of Parliament: The Glorious Revolution consolidated Parliament’s control over finances and taxation, binding the monarch to governance via parliamentary consent.

Cultural Implications

  • Memory of the Revolution: The way the Glorious Revolution was celebrated and remembered shaped English national identity and culture. It was seen as a triumphant defence of liberty against tyranny.
  • Impact on literature and art: Works of literature and art, like Addison’s ‘The Campaign’, celebrated William III and the defence of English liberties.