Final answer:
The Glorious Revolution was sparked by conflicts between the monarchy and Parliament and James II's religious and political stances. It resulted in limited royal power, stronger parliamentary authority, and is remembered as a vital defense of English liberty, influencing future democratic movements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Glorious Revolution was a critical juncture in English history, marked by the overthrow of King James II in 1688. One of the main causes was the conflict between the monarchy and Parliament, intensified by James's Catholicism in a predominantly Protestant nation, his absolute monarchical ambitions, and his disregard for the rights of Parliament. The event was called 'glorious' chiefly because it was achieved with minimal bloodshed, largely replacing the king without a large-scale civil conflict.
The effects of the Glorious Revolution were profound, leading to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. It ensured that the monarchy could not have absolute power and increased the powers of Parliament. This shift in political balance nurtured the concept of English Liberty, spurring on mercantilist policies and setting a precedent for the rights and governance of the nation. The Revolution left an enduring legacy of a checks-and-balances system that defines the United Kingdom to this day.
The Glorious Revolution also provided a shared national experience and became a symbol of the defense of English liberty against tyranny. It reshaped the political landscape, influencing the future of the monarchy, and establishing a tradition of parliamentary sovereignty which would inspire future democratic developments, not least the American Revolution.