James II's troubled early reign
I can explain why James II's early reign was so troubled.
James II's troubled early reign
I can explain why James II's early reign was so troubled.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In 1685, the Catholic James II succeeded Charles II; his succession was smooth despite England being Protestant.
- Soon after, James II had to defeat the Monmouth Rebellion which sought to depose him due to his Catholic beliefs.
- James II expanded the size of the army and appointed Catholics to important positions without Parliament's agreement.
- James II also attempted to bring greater freedoms to Catholics in England through the Declaration of Indulgence in 1687.
- The birth of James' son in 1688 scared his opponents about a possible Catholic succession.
Keywords
Parliament - an assembly of people with authority to make laws for a country
Anglican - a person who believes in the faith and practices of the Church of England
Rebellion - an act of armed resistance to an established government or leader
Common misconception
Only children of the monarch are next in line for the throne, not siblings.
As Charles II did not have any legitimate children, his heir was his brother, James II.
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: James II's troubled early reign, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 history lesson on: James II's troubled early reign, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 3 history lessons from the The Glorious Revolution: how do historians' views of it differ? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended