Effects of the Glorious Revolution (1688) in England

Constitutional Changes

• Bill of Rights (1689): Established parliamentary rights, limited royal power (no suspension of laws, no standing army without consent).
• Parliamentary Supremacy: Legislature became supreme; executive accountable to Parliament—birth of constitutional monarchy.

Political Developments

• Two-Party System: Whigs and Tories emerged, foundation of modern British party politics.
• Cabinet Government: Executive cabinet responsible to Parliament; Prime Minister as head of cabinet.
• Religious Toleration: Increased freedom for Protestant dissenters (though Catholics excluded until later).
• Inspiration for Other Revolutions: Influenced American and French Revolutions.

Social & Economic Impact

• Economic Growth: 18th-century expansion fueled by trade and early Industrial Revolution.
• Rise of Middle Class: Commercial wealth challenged aristocratic dominance.
• Scientific Advancement: Newtonian physics, Royal Society flourished.

Global Influence

• Model for limiting monarchical power across Europe.
• British naval supremacy expanded empire (North America, India, Caribbean).
• Constitutional principles exported to colonies.