Reluctant Revolutionaries: Englishmen and the Revolution of 1688
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Author Description
In 1688 the Catholic James II was removed from the throne and replaced by the Protestant monarchs William III and Mary. The importance of this "glorious revolution," long seen as a crucial shift in Britain from absolutism to constitutional monarchy, has recently been questioned by historians.This wide-ranging book takes a fresh look at the people and events of 1688. Challenging recent work and arguing that 1688 did see a decisive, though not inevitable, movement toward mixed, constitutional monarchy, Speck provides a vivid picture of politics and society in the Glorious Revolution.He explores the nature of the late Stuart monarchy, and its likely development without the "accident" of James II; the personality of James himself, and the significance of his flight; the nature of the conspiracy to invite William of Orange to England and place him on the throne; and theRevolution's constitutional importance and long-term social and religious implications.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This book investigates whether the events of 1688 constituted a genuine, decisive shift toward constitutional monarchy or merely a contingent political accident. W. A. Speck, a noted historian of the Stuart period, utilizes a synthesis of primary source analysis and existing historiography to re-evaluate the transition from James II to William III and Mary. He argues that while the revolution was not inevitable, it fundamentally altered the trajectory of British governance by establishing a framework for mixed, constitutional monarchy.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of the late Stuart monarchy and its potential development absent the 1688 crisis.
- Examination of the conspiracy to invite William of Orange to the English throne.
- Assessment of the long-term social, religious, and constitutional implications of the revolution.
- Evaluation of the personality of James II and the political significance of his flight.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Historians and reviewers consistently identify this work as a premier, lucid introduction to the Glorious Revolution. Experts highlight the text for its ability to synthesize complex academic research into a coherent and accessible narrative for both students and scholars.
Page Count:
267
Publication Date:
1988-08-25
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
019822768X
ISBN-13:
9780198227687
History
Monarchy
European History
Political History
British History
