Glorious Revolution in England (World History for UPSC Mains Examination)

Cause of Glorious Revolution 4:00
The Glorious Revolution, also called “The Revolution of 1688” and “The Bloodless Revolution,” took place from 1688 to 1689 in England. The Glorious Revolution marks the beginning of Parliamentary Sovereignty in England. It involved the overthrow of the Catholic King James II, who was replaced by his Protestant daughter Mary and her Dutch husband, William of Orange. Motives for the revolution included both political and religious concerns. The event ultimately changed how England was governed, giving Parliament more power over the monarchy and planting seeds for the beginnings of political democracy.

As a consequence of Glorious Revolution, the king and queen both signed the Declaration of Rights, which became known as the Bill of Rights. The two new rulers accepted more restrictions from Parliament than any previous monarchs, causing an unprecedented shift in the distribution of power throughout the British realm. This document acknowledged several constitutional principles, including the right for regular Parliaments, free elections and freedom of speech in Parliament. Additionally, it forbade the monarchy from being Catholic.
Parliament gained powers over taxation, over the royal succession, over appointments and over the right of the crown to wage war independently.
Many historians believe the Bill of Rights was the first step from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. After this event, the monarchy in England would never hold absolute power again.