Understanding the Succession Crisis
In this chapter, we will discuss a very important period in British history involving King Charles II and his brother, King James II.
Key Points
- King Charles II: He was a king who did not have any legitimate children. This means he did not have any children recognized by law as his heirs.
- Death of Charles II: When Charles II died in 1685, his brother James, who was a Roman Catholic, became the king.
- King James II: As king, James II allowed Roman Catholics to hold positions, like army officers, even though a law said they couldn’t. This made many people worried.
- Conflict with Parliament: James did not work well with Parliament and arrested some bishops from the Church of England. This caused more fear among the public.
- Religious Concerns: People were anxious that James wanted to turn England back into a Catholic country. However, he had two daughters who were Protestant, which gave hope that the next monarch would be Protestant.
- A Surprise Birth: Then, James’s wife had a son. This changed everything because people were now worried that the next king might not be Protestant.
Examples
- Legitimate Children: A legitimate child is one born to married parents. Charles II had none, so there was a succession issue.
- Roman Catholic Officers: Before James II, laws prevented Catholics from being army officers. Allowing this upset many people.
- Protestant Daughters: The fact that James had Protestant daughters gave people hope that the monarchy would remain Protestant.
Questions for Practice
Easy Level Questions
- Who was the king before James II?
- A) Charles I
- B) Charles II
- C) James I
- D) Henry VIII
- What religion was James II?
- A) Protestant
- B) Catholic
- C) Anglican
- D) Orthodox
- How many legitimate children did Charles II have?
- A) One
- B) Two
- C) None
- D) Three
- What year did Charles II die?
- A) 1685
- B) 1660
- C) 1700
- D) 1672
- What position did James II allow Catholics to hold?
- A) Prime Minister
- B) Army Officer
- C) Bishop
- D) Mayor
- Who were James II’s heirs?
- A) Sons
- B) Daughters
- C) Nieces
- D) Grandchildren
- Did James II work well with Parliament?
- A) Yes
- B) No
- C) Sometimes
- D) Not at all
- What was a major concern for the public under James II?
- A) Taxes
- B) Education
- C) Religion
- D) Weather
- Who did James II arrest?
- A) Kings
- B) Bishops
- C) Commoners
- D) Soldiers
- What did people fear about James II?
- A) He would leave the country
- B) He would make England Catholic
- C) He would have no heirs
- D) He would start a war
Medium Level Questions
- What title did James II hold in Scotland?
- A) King James I
- B) King James VI
- C) King James VII
- D) King James VIII
- What did the Act of Parliament forbid?
- A) Kings from having children
- B) Roman Catholics from being army officers
- C) Women from voting
- D) Protestants from holding office
- How did people react to the birth of James II’s son?
- A) They were happy
- B) They were confused
- C) They were worried
- D) They were indifferent
- What was the main religion of James II’s daughters?
- A) Catholic
- B) Protestant
- C) Jewish
- D) None
- Why did people believe there would be a Protestant monarch soon?
- A) James II had no sons
- B) James II was very old
- C) Parliament supported Protestants
- D) The Church of England was strong
- What did James II favour during his reign?
- A) Protestants
- B) Catholics
- C) Atheists
- D) Anglicans
- After Charles II’s death, who became king?
- A) His son
- B) His brother
- C) His cousin
- D) His friend
- What was a significant action taken by James II against bishops?
- A) He appointed them
- B) He arrested them
- C) He ignored them
- D) He supported them
- What was the public’s worry about the future of the monarchy?
- A) It would be taken over by another country
- B) It would become Catholic again
- C) It would become a democracy
- D) It would be abolished
- Which church were the bishops that James II arrested part of?
- A) Catholic Church
- B) Church of England
- C) Scottish Church
- D) Methodist Church
Hard Level Questions
- What was the political situation like in England during James II’s reign?
- A) Peaceful and stable
- B) Tense and divided
- C) Supportive of Catholics
- D) Completely unified
- Why is the birth of James II’s son particularly significant?
- A) It meant he would be the first Catholic king
- B) It changed the line of succession
- C) It surprised everyone
- D) It made James II very popular
- What was the relationship between James II and the Church of England?
- A) Supportive
- B) Hostile
- C) Indifferent
- D) Cooperative
- How did James II’s actions affect his popularity?
- A) Made him more popular
- B) Had no effect
- C) Decreased his popularity
- D) Made him a beloved figure
- What did the English public believe about Catholicism during James II’s reign?
- A) It was beneficial
- B) It was a threat to Protestantism
- C) It was irrelevant
- D) It was the future of England
- Which of the following was a potential outcome of James II’s actions?
- A) A peaceful resolution with Parliament
- B) A civil war
- C) Immediate public support
- D) A stronger monarchy
- How did the birth of James II’s son affect the Protestant community?
- A) They were indifferent
- B) They welcomed him
- C) They feared for their future
- D) They celebrated
- What was the significance of the Act of Parliament that James II broke?
- A) It was a minor law
- B) It was crucial for Protestant control
- C) It was outdated
- D) It had no real implications
- How did James II’s relationship with Parliament impact his reign?
- A) Strengthened his authority
- B) Created conflicts and unrest
- C) Made him a beloved king
- D) Had no impact at all
- What legacy did James II leave regarding religious tolerance?
- A) Encouraged acceptance of all religions
- B) Reinforced Protestant dominance
- C) Increased religious conflict
- D) Led to a more secular society
Answers
Easy Level Answers
- B) Charles II
- B) Catholic
- C) None
- A) 1685
- B) Army Officer
- B) Daughters
- B) No
- C) Religion
- B) Bishops
- B) He would make England Catholic
Medium Level Answers
- C) King James VII
- B) Roman Catholics from being army officers
- C) They were worried
- B) Protestant
- A) James II had no sons
- B) Catholics
- B) His brother
- B) He arrested them
- B) It would become Catholic again
- B) Church of England
Hard Level Answers
- B) Tense and divided
- B) It changed the line of succession
- B) Hostile
- C) Decreased his popularity
- B) It was a threat to Protestantism
- B) A civil war
- C) They feared for their future
- B) It was crucial for Protestant control
- B) Created conflicts and unrest
- C) Increased religious conflict
