DTW GED PREP

The Glorious Revolution in England (1688-1689): In England, a series of conflicts between Parliament and the monarchy culminated in the Glorious Revolution. This began in 1649 when King Charles I was defeated in battle, captured, and executed for treason. After a brief period of military rule under Oliver Cromwell, the monarchy was restored in 1660 with Charles II, the son of the executed king. However, when Charles II died, his Catholic brother, James II, ascended the throne. His unpopular reign and Catholicism sparked a rebellion from Parliament. In 1688, Parliament invited James’s Protestant daughter, Mary, and her husband, William of Orange, to take the throne. James II fled to France, and the Glorious Revolution was achieved without bloodshed. In 1689, Parliament passed the English Bill of Rights, which limited the powers of the monarchy and guaranteed individual rights, laying the foundation for a constitutional monarchy in Britain.

The American Revolution (1775-1783): The American Revolution was sparked by tensions between the Thirteen Colonies and the British Crown over issues like taxation without representation and colonial self-governance. By 1776, the American colonies declared their independence, leading to a protracted war. The revolution resulted in the establishment of a republic based on democratic principles, such as the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The U.S. Constitution, ratified in 1787, created a system of government based on separation of powers and the protection of individual freedoms, heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideas.

The French Revolution (1789-1799): The French Revolution began in 1789 as commoners and peasants, burdened by high taxes and economic hardship, rose up against the absolute monarchy of King Louis XVI and the privileges of the aristocracy. The revolution led to the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a republic. However, after initial attempts to create a stable republican government, France descended into chaos and violence during the Reign of Terror, led by the radical Jacobins. Ultimately, Napoleon Bonaparte emerged as the leader, transforming the revolution into a military dictatorship. Napoleon’s ambition to conquer Europe led to widespread wars, but his defeat at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 ended his reign. After his exile, the French monarchy was restored, though with constitutional limits on royal power.

These revolutions were pivotal in the development of modern political systems, marking the decline of absolute monarchies and the rise of constitutional governments, republicanism, and democratic ideals.

REVOLUTIONS IN BRITAIN AND FRANCE

Directions: Select the best answer for each of the following questions.

1. Based on the information provided, which of the following statements is accurate?
   A. William and Mary had no children and expected the monarchy to end with them.
   B. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 did not involve any actual battles.
   C. The French Revolution was a rebellion against Napoleon Bonaparte’s military dictatorship.
   D. After his father Charles I was executed, James II of England fled to France in 1649.
2. What change in the monarch’s powers occurred as a result of the English and French revolutions?
   A. Constitutional restrictions were placed on the monarch’s powers.
   B. The monarch became a military dictator.
   C. All limitations on the monarch’s powers were lifted.
   D. All of the monarch’s powers were given to Parliament.

1. Based on the information provided, which of the following statements is accurate?
B. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 did not involve any actual battles. ✅
Explanation: The Glorious Revolution is famously known as a “bloodless revolution” because King James II was overthrown without a war; William and Mary took the throne peacefully with Parliamentary support.

2. What change in the monarch’s powers occurred as a result of the English and French revolutions?
A. Constitutional restrictions were placed on the monarch’s powers. ✅
Explanation: Both revolutions led to limitations on monarchial authority. In England, the Bill of Rights (1689) established Parliamentary supremacy. In France, the monarchy was eventually abolished during the revolution, but even when restored, it came with severe constitutional limits.