preview

The Real Revolution In 1688-Nine In Scotland Not England

Decent Essays

Alba gu bráth: An Essay on the Events of 1688-9 in Scotland ‘The real revolution in 1688-9 happened in Scotland not England.’ Discuss In reference to the events of 1688, diarist John Evelyn wrote, “The Popists in offices lay down their Commissions…it lookes like a Revolution.” According to the OED, writers at the time, such as John Evelyn, defined a revolution as the “overthrow of an established government or social order by those previously subject to it.” The term revolution has different meanings to different historians; because of this, this paper will use the definition as used by writers of the time. By this definition, then, the real revolution in 1688-9 happened in Scotland not England. When discussing revolutions, one should consider the presence of violence and force, any change in …show more content…

Religious violence during the period from 1670-88 contributed to the revolution settlement of 1689, as outlined by the Claim of Right. Presbyterians found themselves in a precarious position; on one hand, they were not Anglican, so Anglicans feared them and sought to limit Presbyterian power; on the other hand, Presbyterians were still protestant and thus could find no allies in Catholicism. Charles II and James II (and VII) saw Presbyterians as a potential seditious element in Scotland and wanted to limit their ability to revolt, especially after Covenanters staged a rebellion in 1679 led by John Graham. A crackdown on Presbyterian meeting houses forced Presbyterian Covenanters into the field; literally, they started meeting in what were known as “field conventicles.” Attacks on these field conventicles led Covenanters to rebel against the government forces, a rebellion which culminated in the Battle of Bothwell Bridge, which occurred on June 22nd, 1679. There was a lot of violence, particularly directed toward Presbyterians, that led up to the Scottish Claim of Right in

Get Access