Extract from the Boston Evening Post, 28 October 1765. Catalogue ref: CO 5/755 f.391
The Glorious Revolution mentioned in this source officially began with the reign of James II in 1685. William of Orange successfully invaded Britain and James II abdicated from the throne in 1688. The Glorious Revolution (1688–89) permanently established the role of Parliament and marked the move from absolute to constitutional monarchy.
Transcript
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…Was not the raising taxes by ship money, &c, without the consent of the good people of England who were to pay them, and arbitrary courts of trial, contrary to the rights of Englishmen and the common usages of the land, principal grievances and causes of the civil war in the reign of Charles I? Were not the unconstitutional arbitrary courts erected, contrary to the English liberty, and usage of the nation; corruption of trials by pack’d juries; the arbitrary taking away and trampling upon the privileges of royal charters, and the refusing to hear petitions and redress grievances — arbitrary suspense of laws and executions legally obtained; among the principal civil grievances in the reign of James II. Which caused the glorious revolution?
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- Why did the American colonists choose to refer to British history?
- Can you see any links in the description of royal power in this source and the other sources?
- Try and explain any differences.