Thomas Babington Macaulay doesn't just write history; he builds a world. In this chapter, he zooms in on the short, turbulent reign of King James II, setting the stage for the revolution that would topple him.

The Story

James II becomes king in 1685, and almost immediately, things start to go wrong. He's a devout Catholic ruling a fiercely Protestant country still haunted by memories of religious war. The chapter follows James's stubborn, clumsy campaign to shift England back toward Catholicism. He bends the laws to put Catholics in powerful positions in the army and government. He clashes with Parliament and, in a stunning move, has seven Anglican bishops arrested for opposing him. Macaulay paints a vivid picture of a king who misreads his people completely. Each act of royal pressure, intended to secure his power, actually pushes the political nation—the nobles, the clergy, the merchants—closer together in opposition. The story builds to a breaking point, where the birth of a Catholic heir makes the prospect of a permanent Catholic dynasty seem real and terrifying, forcing powerful men to consider the unthinkable: inviting William of Orange, a Protestant Dutch prince married to James's daughter Mary, to intervene.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this because Macaulay makes you feel the stakes. This isn't about abstract "church vs. state" debates. It's about a country terrified of losing its hard-won liberties. Macaulay's characters are brilliantly flawed. James isn't a cartoon villain; he's a tragically stubborn man whose principles blind him to reality. The bishops in the Tower of London aren't just symbols; they're men facing down a king, and their courage becomes a national rallying cry. Macaulay has a point of view (he's firmly on the side of Parliament and Protestant liberty), but he argues his case with such narrative force and juicy detail that you get swept up in the drama. He shows how public opinion, that slippery thing, hardens into resolve.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves a great story of power, belief, and monumental miscalculation. If you enjoy political dramas like House of Cards or Game of Thrones but want the real, high-stakes deal, Macaulay is your guide. It's also a gift for readers who thought history was boring. He proves it's the most suspenseful genre of all, full of complex people making decisions under immense pressure that would change the world. Just be prepared: after this chapter, you'll likely need to read the next one to find out what happens.