THE ABSOLUTIST PROJECT OF JAMES II

THE ABSOLUTIST PROJECT OF JAMES II in theory and practicec. 1685-1688, Part I

Reminder: the three major political forces in late Restoration England1. Charles II, James II, and the royal absolutists: they favor a modern/modernizing state based on an absolute monarchy; they favor some form of religious toleration; and they believe in passive obedience.2. Tories: they favor a traditional state based on a strong monarchy advised by Parliament; they favor the religious monopoly of the Church of England; and they believe in passive obedience.3. Whigs: they favor a modern/modernizing state based on a parliamentary supremacy; they favor religious toleration; and they believe in active resistance.

1685: Consolidating the regime1. In the wake of the failed rebellions, the political nation rallies around James II as the guarantor of stability. 2. September 1685: the trials of the Bloody Assizes are conducted by Judge Jeffreys; the trials result in the execution of many of Monmouths rebels and the transportation of many of his remaining supporters to the New World. 3. October 8, 1685: Louis XIV of France revokes the Edict of Nantes and undertakes forced conversions of Huguenot (French Protestant) communities.

1685: Consolidating the regime, continued4. James II and his Court use the opportunity of the military victories over the rebellions to construct a standing army modeled on Louis XIVs army in France.5. James II starts down the path of consolidating a modern/modernizing absolute monarchy in England and an authoritarian empire in the English colonies in North America and the West Indies.

King James II stood triumphant at the end of 1685

The march toward absolutism1. James II continues to build a standing army and stations military garrisons throughout the country; the military is increasingly used to police coffeehouses and public spaces throughout England. 2. The Post Office is transformed into a vehicle for government surveillance; letters are routinely opened and read by agents of the Court.3. The regime supports the spread of Gallican Catholic religious ideology and practice.

The march toward absolutism, continued4. James II ignores and circumvents the Test and Corporation Acts and appoints Roman Catholics to civilian and military offices.5. 1686: the Ecclesiastical Commission is created to monitor and censor the commentary and preaching of the Church of Englands clergy.