King James II

Definition

King James II was the king of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1685 to 1688. He is best known for his strong belief in absolute monarchy and his attempts to create religious liberty for his subjects, which led to the Glorious Revolution.

Related terms

Absolute Monarchy: A form of government where the monarch has absolute power among his or her people.

Glorious Revolution: The overthrow of King James II in 1688 by a union of English Parliamentarians with William III of Orange-Nassau (William of Orange).

Religious Liberty: The freedom to practice one's religion without interference from the state.