William lands in Torbay, James II flees France

Question 1

William lands in Torbay, James II flees to France:

Summary

Answer 1

James resigned his post voluntarily.

Necessary for Revolution to take place:

• Lords and clergy would not have approved of a change of personnel (even if Commons was able secured a majority against James’ continued reign).
• Many within the political and religious establishment generally in favour of divine right + hereditary monarchy- to prevent the return of the unstable governments experienced during the Interregnum.

Question 2

William lands in Torbay, James II flees to France:

Significance

Answer 2

Despite the fact that James II had openly defied both parliament and the religious establishment, historians generally agree that William’s invasion was equally as important in leading to a change in government, whether William intended to take the throne or not.

His invasion was invited by those who rejected James’ government, but they did not necessarily have a plan in place when they sent their invasion. > James automatically leaving played into their favour and set a route

Question 3

William lands in Torbay, James II flees to France:

Justification of William’s invasion

Whig view

Answer 3

James II had broken a solemn contract with his people.

• Gov. existed as a result of an agreement between the king and the people.
• Locke’s Two Treatises of Government (1689) suggests that Rev. was an opportunity for MPs to alter the constitution.

If a ruler attempted to behave as an absolute monarch, citizens had the right to remove them.

• Convention Parliament Jan. 1689:
  
  • Sir Robert Howard argued that the gov. was grounded on a pact between king and people and, if the king broke that pact, members of parliament were within their rights to appoint another ruler.