Year 8 - History
James II's troubled early reign
The Glorious Revolution: how do historians' views of it differ?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about the Glorious Revolution and the way in which different historians have viewed it. They learn about the causes of this important event before examining Whig and revisionist arguments about its nature.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why James II's early reign was so troubled.
Key Notes
- In 1685, the Catholic James II succeeded Charles II; his succession was smooth despite England being Protestant.
- Soon after, James II had to defeat the Monmouth Rebellion which sought to depose him due to his Catholic beliefs.
- James II expanded the size of the army and appointed Catholics to important positions without Parliament's agreement.
- James II also attempted to bring greater freedoms to Catholics in England through the Declaration of Indulgence in 1687.
- The birth of James' son in 1688 scared his opponents about a possible Catholic succession.
Vocabulary To Learn
- Parliament: an assembly of people with authority to make laws for a country
- Anglican: a person who believes in the faith and practices of the Church of England
- rebellion: an act of armed resistance to an established government or leader
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Only children of the monarch are next in line for the throne, not siblings.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
In 1685, the Catholic James II succeeded Charles II; his succession was smooth despite England being Protestant. Soon after, James II had to defeat the Monmouth Rebellion which sought to depose him due to his Catholic beliefs.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'Parliament'
an assembly of people with authority to make laws for a country.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Only children of the monarch are next in line for the throne, not siblings. Correction: As Charles II did not have any legitimate children, his heir was his brother, James II.
More Lessons In This Unit
- How historians' views differ regarding the Glorious Revolution Study Guide
- Revisionist interpretations of the Glorious Revolution Study Guide
- The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy Study Guide
- The Glorious Revolution in Scotland and Ireland Study Guide
- The Whig interpretation of the Glorious Revolution Study Guide
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