Question

In a paragraph, explain the events of the Glorious Revolution and how they later impacted American colonists.

Answer 1

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a pivotal event in British history that saw the overthrow of King James II, who was replaced by William of Orange and his wife Mary, daughter of James. This change of power was largely driven by fears of James's Catholicism and his attempts to increase royal authority, prompting parliamentarians to invite William to intervene. The revolution led to the establishment of constitutional monarchy, affirming the supremacy of parliament over the crown. Its impact on American colonists was profound, as it inspired a shift toward greater self-governance and political participation in the colonies—many of which had been wary of royal authority. The principles of liberty and parliamentary sovereignty became central to colonial political thought, laying the groundwork for the future push for independence and reflecting Enlightenment ideas that began to flourish in the years following the revolution.