How united was Britain in 1688?

The first 200 words of this essay...

Ian Bishop

How united was Britain in 1688?

To question the unity of Britain at any point in history is to initiate a complex and often controversial debate. When such and inquiry is coupled with a date of controversy, the difficulties of making a clear analysis are exacerbated. The 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688 is such a date. Superficially, it would seem to be obvious that Britain could not possible have been united in purpose and belief, for the very occurrence of a revolution means that at least two factions were at odds over at least one important issue. Thus, in order to facilitate useful analysis of such a broad question we must first define the particular aspects of British unity that interest us.

For the purposes of this essay it is the political unity of the nation which must be the focus of our analysis. The broad nature of the question permits an endless inquiry into all aspects of unity and disunity in Britain. Many other areas would be valid subjects of study, for example the state of religious unity in Britain, but within the limited scope of this essay, we can best focus our energies upon an