The bloodless English revolution of 1688–89 in which James II was removed from the throne and was replaced by his daughter Mary and her husband William III (of Orange). It marked the end of Stuart attempts at despotism, and the establishment of a constitutional form of government.

From his accession in 1685, James II’s actions aroused both Whig and Tory concern. In defiance of the law he appointed Roman Catholics to important positions in the army, the church, the universities, and the government. He claimed the right to suspend or dispense with the laws as he pleased, and his two Declarations of Indulgence suspended penal laws against Roman Catholics and dissenters. The birth of a son to the king in 1688 appeared to ensure the Roman Catholic succession and provoked leading politicians of both the main parties to invite the king’s son-in-law William of Orange to England. William landed with a Dutch army in Devonshire in November. James’s army refused to obey its Catholic officers, his daughters deserted him, and he was allowed to escape abroad. Parliament asked William and Mary to take over the vacant throne. James II landed in Ireland with French troops (March 1690), besieged Londonderry, and was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne (July 1690). He returned to exile in France. The Act of Settlement of 1701 provided for the Protestant succession.