What Did James Ii Do To Gain Absolute Rule

What Did James II Do to Gain Absolute Rule?

James II's ambition for absolute rule in England stemmed from his deeply ingrained belief in the Divine Right of Kings and his Catholic faith. His reign, though short (1685-1688), was marked by a series of controversial actions that alienated Parliament, the Church of England, and much of the population, ultimately leading to the Glorious Revolution. Understanding his pursuit of absolute power requires examining his actions across several key areas: religious policy, military expansion, and his attempts to circumvent Parliament.

Religious Policy: A Catholic King in a Protestant Nation

James II's Catholicism was the primary catalyst for his unpopularity and the biggest obstacle to his ambitions. England, after the tumultuous English Civil War and the Interregnum, was overwhelmingly Protestant. The established Church of England held significant power and influence, and the memory of Catholic Mary I's reign was still fresh in people's minds. James, however, viewed his religious freedom as an essential component of his royal authority. His actions to promote Catholicism were seen not as acts of religious tolerance, but rather as attempts to impose his faith on the nation and undermine the Protestant establishment.

Declaration of Indulgence:

James's primary tool for advancing Catholicism was the Declaration of Indulgence. Issued in 1687 and again in 1688, it suspended all penal laws against both Catholics and Protestant Nonconformists (Dissenters). On the surface, it appeared to be a gesture of religious tolerance, granting freedom of worship to all. However, the true intent was far more insidious. By suspending laws specifically targeting Catholics, James sought to empower them and lessen the power of the established Church of England. He hoped to create a climate where Catholics could openly practice their faith and rise to positions of power.

This was perceived as a direct challenge to the authority of Parliament, which had repeatedly passed laws against Catholics. The declaration was seen as a blatant disregard for the legislative process and an assertion of the king's authority over the laws of the land. This fueled widespread opposition amongst Protestants, who viewed it as a step towards the re-establishment of Catholicism as the dominant religion.

Appointing Catholics to Key Positions:

James didn't stop at issuing declarations. He systematically appointed Catholics to high-ranking positions in the government, military, and universities. These appointments weren't based on merit or experience, but rather on religious affiliation. This blatant favoritism further alienated the Protestant majority and fueled suspicions of a wider Catholic conspiracy. The appointments were seen as a direct threat to the Protestant ascendancy and a deliberate attempt to weaken the existing power structures.

This strategy also aimed at establishing a loyal Catholic base of support within the key institutions of the state. By controlling the military, the universities, and government bodies, James aimed to create a situation where opposition would be difficult, if not impossible, to mount effectively.

Military Expansion: A Standing Army and Royal Authority

Another key element of James II's quest for absolute rule was his expansion of the standing army. A strong military was essential to enforce his will and suppress any potential opposition. He believed that a powerful, loyal army, largely composed of Catholic officers, would provide the necessary force to overcome any resistance to his policies.

Increasing the Size of the Army:

The size of the standing army was significantly increased during James II's reign. This went against the traditional English suspicion of a large, permanent army, which was seen as a potential threat to liberty. The expansion was fueled by James's desire for a powerful, reliable force to back his policies and suppress any dissenting voices. This increased military presence had a chilling effect on potential opposition, as the threat of royal force was made very real.

Catholic Officers and Soldiers:

Similar to his appointments in other sectors, James appointed numerous Catholic officers to command positions in the army. This appointment of Catholics to positions of military power was perceived as a direct threat to national security and the Protestant establishment, further deepening concerns and distrust. The fact that they were often promoted over more experienced Protestant officers fuelled resentment and suspicion, feeding the narrative of a Catholic conspiracy to seize power.

Circumventing Parliament: Ignoring the Legislative Process

James II demonstrated a clear disregard for the traditional checks and balances provided by Parliament. He viewed Parliament as an obstacle to his ambition for absolute rule and actively sought to bypass its authority. This approach solidified the opposition's resolve and greatly contributed to his downfall.

Dissolving Parliament:

James repeatedly dissolved Parliament when it failed to cooperate with his policies. Rather than work with Parliament to secure the necessary legislation, he chose to govern by royal decree, issuing proclamations and orders without parliamentary consent. This was a clear violation of the established constitutional norms and further fueled the growing opposition to his rule.

Governing by Royal Proclamation:

Instead of working through the legislative process, James increasingly relied on royal proclamations to govern. These proclamations often bypassed Parliament's authority and contradicted existing laws. This blatant disregard for the established legal framework was seen as a clear attempt to establish an absolute monarchy, free from any form of parliamentary constraint. The lack of parliamentary oversight allowed James to implement policies without scrutiny or accountability.

The Ecclesiastical Commission:

James also established the Ecclesiastical Commission, a body that acted outside of parliamentary control to oversee the Church of England. This commission undermined the authority of the established church and empowered James to make changes without seeking parliamentary approval. The establishment of this commission highlighted his disregard for the established legal and ecclesiastical structures and his determination to control all aspects of the nation's life.

The Consequences: The Glorious Revolution

James II's relentless pursuit of absolute rule, fueled by his religious policies, military expansion, and his disregard for Parliament, ultimately resulted in the Glorious Revolution of 1688. His actions provoked widespread opposition, culminating in the invitation extended to William of Orange, James's son-in-law, to invade England. The relatively bloodless overthrow of James II demonstrated the limits of the Divine Right of Kings in the face of united opposition.

The Glorious Revolution marked a turning point in English history. It led to a significant shift in the balance of power, reinforcing the authority of Parliament and establishing a constitutional monarchy. James's actions, while intended to secure absolute rule, inadvertently paved the way for a more limited monarchy and a strengthened parliamentary system. His reign serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of attempting to impose absolute power in the face of strong opposition and established traditions. The events of his reign significantly shaped the development of British constitutionalism and continue to be studied as a critical juncture in the history of England. His legacy is one of failed ambition, illustrating the crucial role of a balance of power and the limitations of unchecked royal authority.