Thoughts and Reflections on England’s Glorious Revolution (1688-1689)
The Glorious Revolution 1688-1689, by Steven Pincus, I thought was very well written. Pincus provides tremendous evidence, and for the historian is very helpful in tracing the footsteps of time back to the actual event.
In this case, the event was the English Revolution of 1688-1689, or the removal of James the II, from the crown, and placing William and Mary, on the seat of England instead. Now, the difference in this revolution, was that James II fled England, and did not have his head cut off, as was the case with Charles I.
Also, during this time, was incredible growth within England’s infrastructure and economy. Part colonialist enslavement and part industrial and factory work. The East India Trade Company was a global enterprise. Yet, under William and Mary, the East India Company would become reorganized (p.25).
Furthermore, William was more of a countryman, considered on the outside of England, whereas Mary, was from England and could secure the people’s attention and affection. In other words, the pair was seen as a well-balanced couple, in the eyes of the people.
William for his military prowess and Mary for her bloodline and good English nature.
Also, Pincus makes it known, that this is not a religious revolution, rather a change of power, which had ramifications in parliament. Interestingly, William and Mary balanced the Whigs and Torries, creating and passing many legislative motions, which Pincus has so eloquently displayed for his reader, in his research.
In closing, when reading Pincus, I really felt the anxiety and complexities of the people during the Glorious Revolution (1688-1689), through the documents he has provided. Also, and lastly the Glorious Revolution, was not as bloodless as appeared, and yet still managed to bring great power to the hands of parliament, while still enforcing a new monarchy, which governed its people and held heavy input on legislation.
I enjoyed reading this book probably the most out of any one the books we have read. I thought it was very interesting how the Revolution brought change in England. For years England didn’t participate in continental affairs but during the Glorious Revolution war would be declared on France. Money played a much different role during this time period as well. I thought this book was very well written and I learned a lot by reading this book. Pincus’ really shows that this revolution had a major impact on England.
I also thought Pincus’ insight on the Glorious Revolution was very interesting and well-written. I didn’t know too much about the Glorious Revolution before this class (except the fact that it was called “Glorious” because of how “peaceful” the transition was), but I definitely think reading Pincus was a good way to give the Revolution more importance than I think I would have gotten from the typical spiel people do about that time. I would have to say though, the glorious revolution marks the end of an era in my mind as it was the beginning of a strong parliament and a weak king. Of course William and Mary still had more say than Queen Elizabeth II has now, but it’s definitely nothing in comparison to Henry Tudor who I would argue was one of the most “absolutist” kings in English history. The Glorious Revolution was really putting an end to some of the issues that plagued the monarchy throughout this class by finally giving in to Parliament’s demand.