1689–1815

Abstract

What was to become known as the Glorious Revolution was both the last successful invasion of England (and one that was largely bloodless) and a coup in which the monarch was replaced by his nephew and son-in-law, though William III’s success also depended on an absence of extensive opposition in England, an absence reflecting apathy, reluctant compliance and a measure of active enthusiasm in his favour. The change of monarch led to war with Louis XIV of France, who gave James II shelter and support; and the need for parliamentary backing for the expensive struggle with the leading power in western Europe helped to give substance to the notion of parliamentary monarchy. The financial settlement obliged William to meet Parliament every year, the Triennial Act (1694) ensured regular meetings of Parliament, and, by restricting its life-span to three years, required regular elections, thus limiting potential for the management of Parliament by corruption. William’s was truly a limited monarchy.