Invitation to William of Orange Issued
Seven English nobles, known as the Immortal Seven, sent a letter inviting William of Orange to invade England. They expressed dissatisfaction with King James II's policies, particularly regarding religion and governance. The invitation was a pivotal moment leading to the Glorious Revolution, which aimed to replace James II with William, emphasizing the need for a constitutional monarchy. This document outlined the nobles' commitment to support William's claim to the throne.
Immortal Seven included prominent English nobles.
Letter served as a catalyst for William's invasion.
Marked a shift towards constitutional monarchy.
Response to King James II's unpopular policies.
What Happened?
The event of the Immortal Seven issuing an invitation to William of Orange marked a critical juncture in English politics. This group consisted of seven prominent English nobles who found themselves increasingly disillusioned with the rule of King James II. His attempts to promote Catholicism and bypass parliamentary authority threatened the Protestant establishment and raised fears of absolute monarchy. On June 30, 1688, this group took a courageous stand by drafting a letter to William, urging him to take action against James II's regime. They expressed their willingness to support his cause and assured him that many in England would back his campaign should he choose to invade.
The document itself became known as the 'Invitation to William' and effectively laid the groundwork for the subsequent invasion in November 1688, which is often referred to as the Glorious Revolution. The letter emphasized constitutional concerns and the right of the people to choose their ruler, a novel notion at the time. The response from William was positive, and he prepared for the expedition with the backing of many English subjects who sought a restoration of their rights and liberties. The actions of the Immortal Seven catalyzed a significant change in the political landscape of England, leading to William's ascension to the throne alongside his wife Mary II.
This phase in the political narrative highlighted not just the grievances against James II but also the growing consciousness among the English elite regarding governance and the role of monarchy. The ensuing revolution established a new era of parliamentary sovereignty and marked the beginning of a constitutional monarchy in England, signifying a shift from monarchical absolute rule towards a system where power was more evenly distributed and instituted rule by law. It forever changed the relationship between the monarchy and its subjects, shaping the future trajectory of British governance.
Why Does it Matter?
The invitation by the Immortal Seven led to the Glorious Revolution, which had profound implications for the British monarchy and the political landscape of England. It signified the triumph of constitutionalism over absolutism and heralded the establishment of parliamentary supremacy, setting a precedent for modern democratic governance. This moment is intriguing as it democratized power dynamics in England and paved the way for later political developments in democratic theory and practice.