History of North America

Why did the glorious revolution began?

1. Religious tensions: King James II was a devout Catholic, and his attempts to promote religious tolerance for Catholics and other non-Anglican denominations drew opposition from Protestant subjects. The Test Acts, which excluded Catholics from holding public office, were seen as a restriction on religious freedom.

2. Violation of constitutional rights: James's autocratic style of rule was considered a violation of the traditional rights and privileges of Parliament and the English people. He often ignored Parliament and ruled by decree, and he attempted to establish a standing army without Parliament's consent.

3. Fear of Catholicism: Many Protestants feared that James intended to restore Catholicism as the official religion of England, which would have undermined the religious and political gains Protestants had made since the English Reformation.

4. Economic concerns: The reign of James II saw a decline in trade and economic prosperity, which added to the discontent among the population. The Test Acts also restricted the economic opportunities for non-Anglicans.