What Did James Contribute To The English Civil War

In 1685 King Charles II died, and way succeeded by James II. James’ first action was to announce the summoning of Parliament. In that same year, Charles’ illegitimate son, Duke of Monmouth, started a rebellion against James. It was easily defeated, and the duke was executed. After this small uprising, James decided to increase the standing army, and to acquire a group of Roman Catholic officers to lead it. Doing this led to a conflict with Parliament, because it seemed that James was showing favoritism towards the Catholics. To stop this conflict, James prorogued parliament, and just ruled without it. In the following years, James appointed Catholics to all of the important political and military positions, alienated many of his subjects, and created various other laws that many disagreed with. Alongside all of this, in 1686, James combined all of the current colonies into one, called the Dominion of New England. He did this to reduce autonomy of the colonies, and thus reduce his need for Parliament. He also appointed Sir Edmund Andros as the governor of New England. Andros became hated in the colony, and added to the resentment towards James.

His two daughters, were both protestant, so James decided to raise his son in the Catholic faith. This seemed to be the last straw for the English, because they feared of a Roman Catholic dynasty, which was being set up. Soon after the birth of James’ child, leaders from various political parties invited the protestant William of Orange, along with his wife Mary (one of James’ daughters) to take over the English throne. In November of 1688, William arrived in England, and in December, James II fled to France. This change of leadership is known as the glorious revolution, and is especially known for involving very little fighting or bloodshed. This revolution also had an effect on the colonies. It sparked two small revolutions, one in Boston, and one in New