Final answer:
The birth of a son to King James II in 1688 increased the likelihood of a Catholic heir and a Catholic absolutist monarchy, which alarmed Protestants and led to political and religious tensions, including fears of persecution and loss of liberties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The birth of a son to King James II of England in 1688 had significant potential implications for the English throne and its religious and political landscape. As a Catholic, James II's preference for a monarchy modeled after the absolutist Catholic monarchy of France had already caused unease among his Protestant subjects.
The prospect of a Catholic heir in the form of his son, potentially dubbed James III, threatened to further entrench Catholic influence and absolutist rule, exacerbating fears of religious persecution and loss of liberties among Protestants.
These concerns were magnified by propaganda suggesting dire consequences if a Catholic king with absolute power were to rule, including the plundering of houses and threats to women and children. Rumors spread that the baby boy was not legitimate, perhaps even having been switched at birth.
Additionally, the birth diminished the chances of James's Protestant daughter Mary, married to William of Orange, from succeeding her father, prompting William to consider intervention, with some alleging his interest was in involving England in his war against France.
The situation ultimately led to a momentous event in English history known as the Glorious Revolution, which would see the Protestant William of Orange and his wife Mary ascend to the throne, ensuring a Protestant succession and a constitutional monarchy with diminished royal absolutism.