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La Revolucion Gloriosa de Inglaterra de 1688
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La Revolucion Gloriosa de Inglaterra de 1688

The Dutch Conquest: A Transformative Event in English History

The Significance of the Dutch Conquest

  • The Dutch conquest of 1688, led by William of Orange, is often overshadowed by the earlier Norman conquest of 1066 but had profound implications for England and beyond.
  • This event marked a transformation from a passive monarchy to a powerful, modernizing state in Europe, reshaping England's role on the global stage.
  • The Dutch conquest is credited with inventing modernity in England and establishing a new form of monarchy.

Despotism and Monarchical Power

  • Despotism represents the purest form of monarchy—unrestricted rule by an individual without interference from other institutions like Parliament or the Church.
  • Henry VII exemplifies English despotism; his reign established significant royal authority through the Act of Supremacy, making him head of the Church of England.
  • Charles II's later reign approached this ideal as he ruled without Parliament, supported by loyalist factions within the Church.

James II's Ascension and Challenges

  • James II succeeded Charles II amid concerns over his Catholic faith, which many believed disqualified him from ruling Protestant England.
  • Despite initial opposition to his succession due to his conversion to Catholicism, James was welcomed at his coronation with celebrations reflecting public support.

Opposition and Exile

  • A group known as Whigs opposed James II’s rule; they were staunch Protestants who feared Catholic absolutism would undermine their rights.

The Downfall of James II: A Crisis of Faith and Governance

The Surprise Attack and Its Aftermath

  • James II's forces, led by Sedore, attempted a surprise nighttime attack but were ultimately routed at dawn, resulting in 500 deaths and 1500 captures.
  • Following the defeat, Sedore fled but was captured two days later. He was taken to London without trial due to his condemnation as a traitor by Parliament.

The Challenge of Catholic Monarchy

  • James II became England's first Catholic monarch in over 150 years amidst deep-seated fears of Catholicism stemming from the Reformation.
  • The ruling Tories expected James to support the Church of England despite his Catholic faith; initially, he appeared to align with their expectations.

Misunderstandings Between King and Counselors

  • At his first Privy Council meeting, James expressed support for the monarchy aligned with Anglican principles, leading Tory counselors to believe he would govern as an Anglican.
  • Both sides misinterpreted each other's intentions; while Tories thought he promised Anglican rule, James believed they would support him regardless of his actions.

Divine Mission for Conversion

  • In private writings, James viewed his succession as divinely ordained and felt tasked with converting England back to Catholicism.
  • Historical memories of persecution under previous Catholic rulers influenced public perception; fears lingered about coercive methods being employed again.

Impact of Louis XIV's Actions

  • Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes on October 22, 1685, which had previously granted toleration to French Protestants. This act heightened fears in England regarding potential similar actions by James II.
  • News spread quickly through England about Louis' actions against Protestants in France, causing panic that similar events could occur under James' reign.

Legislative Challenges and Responses

  • Despite improbable circumstances for a Catholic takeover in England, James sought equality for Catholics within the established Protestant framework.
  • His recruitment of Catholic officers into the army violated the Test Act but reflected his determination to bolster military strength amid rising tensions.

Confrontation with Parliament

  • In a speech from the throne, James openly challenged Parliament regarding employment laws for Catholics in public positions.
  • His defiance led to backlash from both Houses; Commons invoked parliamentary freedom while Lords warned against undermining Church security.

Judicial Maneuvering

  • Frustrated by parliamentary opposition, James dismissed Parliament and turned towards judicial avenues to circumvent restrictions imposed by the Test Act.

The Conflict of Royal Power and Religious Authority

The Tories' Dilemma

  • The judge's ruling created discomfort for the Tories, as it contradicted their belief in unconditional royal power versus the sanctity of the Church of England.

James II's Ambitions

  • Following his court victory, James aimed to overturn anti-Catholic laws on a case-by-case basis, ultimately seeking to nullify all legislation against Catholics.

The Church as an Obstacle

  • The Church of England represented a significant barrier due to its wealth and influence; however, James believed he could leverage it for change by emphasizing obedience to the king.

Declaration of Indulgence

  • James issued a declaration offering universal religious toleration, commanding clergy to read it in every parish. This put the church in conflict between obeying the king or God.

Bishops' Response

  • Seven bishops petitioned against James's declaration, invoking loyalty to the Church while arguing that his actions were illegal under parliamentary law. This marked a significant shift from previous support for him.

The Trial and Public Sentiment

A Frontal Attack on Royal Authority

  • The bishops’ petition was seen as a direct challenge to royal authority, leading James to prosecute them for sedition.

Unexpected Courage from Bishops

  • Contrary to expectations, the bishops showed bravery during prosecution and garnered public support instead of intimidation.

Imprisonment and Celebrity Status

  • Their imprisonment turned them into celebrities; crowds cheered them upon arrival at the Tower of London, where they were treated with honor rather than as prisoners.

Public Trial Dynamics

  • During their trial at Westminster Hall, public sentiment swayed heavily in favor of the bishops, resulting in cheers for their counsel and boos for royal lawyers.

Verdict Impacting Royal Power

  • The jury’s not guilty verdict condemned James’s government rather than exonerating him; this failure highlighted his attempts at absolute monarchy had failed.

The Crisis Following Birth

Catholic Succession Threat

  • James's eagerness to legitimize Catholicism led him into conflict with Parliament and other institutions; however, an unexpected event would escalate tensions further.

Mary of Modena's Pregnancy

  • Mary conceived after several miscarriages; her pregnancy raised concerns about potential Catholic succession if she bore a healthy male heir.

Birth Circumstances

  • On June 10th, 1688, Mary gave birth amidst many witnesses. Despite initial skepticism regarding her ability to produce a healthy heir due to past issues, she successfully delivered a boy named James Francis Edward.

Reactions from Opponents

  • The birth intensified opposition among Protestants who feared a Catholic succession; even Anne expressed doubts about legitimacy based on circumstances surrounding the birth.

Skepticism About Legitimacy

The Political Intrigue of William of Orange

The Changeling Story and Its Impact

  • The narrative of a changeling child smuggled into the Queen's bed via a warming pan was part of a malicious propaganda campaign, believed by Princess Anne and her sister Mary.
  • Mary's husband, William of Orange, found it politically advantageous to believe this story as he sought to consolidate power against James II.

William's Ambitions and Strategies

  • By 1688, William had established himself as a hardened general and politician with ambitions to unite England and the Netherlands against Catholic France.
  • His focus on foreign policy was evident; he aimed for control over England following his wife's ascension but faced challenges due to James II's Catholic policies.

The Catalyst for Invasion

  • The birth of James II’s Catholic son threatened William’s aspirations, prompting him to prepare for an invasion.
  • Recognizing the need for overwhelming force, William began assembling a formidable fleet in response to political turmoil in England.

Political Climate in England

  • Discontent among powerful interest groups grew under James II’s rule, culminating in an invitation from disillusioned peers for William to invade Britain.
  • Despite initial weather setbacks delaying his invasion plans, public sentiment favored change as reflected in the invitation extended to him.

The Invasion Begins

  • Adverse weather initially seemed favorable for James II; however, changing winds ultimately facilitated William's landing unopposed on November 5th.
  • Upon landing at Torbay, William set up camp amidst cheering crowds but faced immediate military opposition from loyalist forces stationed nearby.

James II's Crisis and Flight

  • Instead of rallying his troops effectively upon arrival at Salisbury Plain, James II experienced a personal crisis that undermined his authority.
  • His decision to retreat sent a damaging signal about his commitment to fight for the throne; key supporters began abandoning him shortly thereafter.

Conclusion of Events Leading Up To Exile

  • As negotiations with William unfolded under false pretenses, James II prepared for flight while attempting to maintain appearances.

The Glorious Revolution: A Bloodless Transition of Power

The Ascendancy of William and Mary

  • William became Master of England just six weeks after landing in Torbay, marking a significant yet bloodless military event known as the Glorious Revolution.
  • Tory peers proposed that William act as Regent while his wife Mary would inherit the throne, but he insisted on being king or returning to the Netherlands, leading to a compromise where they became joint monarchs.
  • At White Hall's Banqueting House, William and Mary were formally offered the crown; this marked a unique double monarchy in English history with sovereignty vested solely in William.

The Coronation Ceremony

  • During their coronation at Westminster Abbey, a new oath was introduced reflecting the changed power dynamics post-revolution.
  • The coronation sermon shifted from glorifying monarchs to emphasizing that despotic command had no place in divine governance, contrasting England’s past under tyrannical rule.
  • The preacher celebrated deliverance from extremes of power, invoking applause from the congregation as they embraced this new vision for monarchy.

Establishing Constitutional Monarchy

  • Parliament sought to limit royal powers by drafting the Declaration of Rights which laid foundations for constitutional monarchy; it restricted monarchal authority over laws and taxation without parliamentary consent.
  • A pivotal change declared that no English Monarch could be Catholic or married to one, reversing previous principles about royal religion aligning with national faith.

Opposition and Conflict

  • Despite revolutionary success, opposition remained; James II threatened curses upon Mary if she was crowned while he lived.
  • On coronation day, news arrived that James had landed in Ireland with French forces; however, his invasion failed due to poor troop quality and leadership issues.

Aftermath for James II

  • Following his defeat by William at the Battle of the Boyne, James fled back into exile in France where he lived out his days comfortably despite losing his throne.

Kensington Palace: A New Residence for William and Mary

The Purchase and Reconstruction of Nottingham House

  • William and Mary, longing for modern comforts similar to those in the Netherlands, purchased the former Nottingham house.
  • They quickly rebuilt it into Kensington Palace, which featured extensive gardens and a suburban location on the western fringe of Hyde Park.
  • The new palace was described as "very Noble though not great," reflecting their preference for modesty in monarchy compared to previous royal standards.

The Fate of Whitehall

  • Whitehall Palace was abandoned for ceremonial occasions due to its underuse, leading to neglect.
  • In 1698, Whitehall caught fire and was never rebuilt; this included the loss of significant historical murals like that of Henry VII's family.

Implications of the Glorious Revolution

  • The Glorious Revolution diminished the royal supremacy over church and state, altering perceptions of monarchy.
Video description

Excelente documental inglés, subtitulado al español. La Gloriosa Revolución ("The Glorious Revolution"), o Revolución de 1688, fue el derrocamiento de Jacobo II por Parlamentarios y Guillermo de Orange. Fue muy incruenta, y significativa, ya que con ella comenzó la democracia parlamentaria moderna inglesa: 1.- El monarca nunca volvería a tener el poder absoluto, 2.- Se aprobó Carta de Derechos de 1689, o Declaración de Derechos de 1689 (Bill of Rights de 1689). Este es un documento que impuso el Parlamento inglés al príncipe Guillermo de Orange (protestante) en 1689 para suceder al derrocado rey Jacobo II (católico), luego de la Revolución Gloriosa de 1688. El propósito principal de este texto era recuperar y fortalecer las facultades parlamentarias desaparecidas o mermadas durante el reinado absolutista de los Estuardo (Carlos II y Jacobo II), quienes sucedieron a Oliverio Cromwell. La Declaración de Derechos de 1689 se basó en las ideas de Locke, padre del liberalismo moderno. Locke señala que la propiedad, la vida, la libertad y el derecho a la felicidad son derechos naturales de los hombres, anteriores a la constitución de la sociedad. Luego, el Estado tiene como misión principal proteger esos derechos y las libertades individuales. Locke postula también que los hombres viven en el estado de naturaleza en paz y sometidos a leyes naturales que surgen de la razón. Se sale del estado de naturaleza a través del pacto social, porque no existe allí justicia imparcial que asegure los derechos naturales. La autoridad se sostiene en tanto asegure los derechos naturales que el individuo buscó proteger al entrar en la sociedad. La Declaración concedió libertad religiosa, reforzó la independencia judicial, estableció un nuevo equilibrio de poder entre el rey y el parlamento, hizo de la Cámara de los Comunes la primera institución del Estado y abolió la censura y estableció la libertad de imprenta (de expresión).