Glorious Revolution

Definition

The Glorious Revolution (1688-1689) was a political event where James II, an unpopular Catholic king of England, was overthrown by his Protestant daughter Mary and her husband William III who became joint monarchs.

Related terms

English Protestants: Members of any Protestant Christian church in England. During the Glorious Revolution, they opposed James II due to his Catholic faith and policies.

English Catholics: Followers of the Roman Catholic Church in England. They were generally supportive of James II who was a fellow Catholic.

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of government where a monarch acts as head of state within parameters set by a constitution, either written or unwritten. The Glorious Revolution led to the establishment of constitutional monarchy in England with William III and Mary as joint monarchs.