Monmouth defeat

• Who led Monmouth's Rebellion in June 1685?

  Duke of Monmouth
• What was Monmouth's claim to the throne?

  James II was an illegitimate Catholic ruler
• Where did Monmouth land to gather supporters?

  West Country, mainly Dorset
• Who were Monmouth's supporters primarily?

  Local Protestants unhappy with James's policies
• What were the main weaknesses of Monmouth's rebellion?

  It was poorly organized and lacked solid backing
• When did the Battle of Sedgemoor occur?

  6 July 1685
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Sedgemoor?

  Decisive defeat for Monmouth
• Who commanded James II's forces during the battle?

  John Churchill, future Duke of Marlborough
• Why did Monmouth's forces fail at Sedgemoor?

  They were poorly equipped and lacked discipline
• What happened to Monmouth after the battle?

  He was forced to flee and captured
• What were the Bloody Assizes?

  Trials overseen by Judge Jeffreys after the rebellion
• Who was appointed to oversee the trials of Monmouth's rebels?

  Judge Jeffreys
• How many rebels were tried during the Bloody Assizes?

  400 rebels
• How many rebels were executed during the Bloody Assizes?

  Over 200 were executed
• Why were the executions considered public spectacles?

  To deter further rebellion
• How did the public react to the Bloody Assizes?

  They were shocked and outraged
• What types of punishment were given to the rebels?

  Executions, transportation, or imprisonment
• What was the perception of James II after the Bloody Assizes?

  He was seen as tyrannical and excessive
• How did the Bloody Assizes affect James II's support?

  It alienated moderate Protestants and Tories
• What did the brutality of the Bloody Assizes lead to in society?

  Fear of civil war and authoritarian rule
• What discussions arose among political figures after the Bloody Assizes?

  Possibility of removing James from the throne
• What significant event did the discussions about James's removal contribute to?

  The Glorious Revolution of 1688
• How did James II's response to the rebellion galvanize opposition?

  It made even traditional supporters view him as extreme
• What was the effect of news about the executions across Europe?

  Damaged James's international reputation
• How did Protestant countries view James after the Bloody Assizes?

  As a Catholic despot
• What was the impact of the Bloody Assizes on James's control in Ireland and Scotland?

  Allies began to question his ability to maintain control
• What did the years following the Bloody Assizes indicate about James's power?

  His hold on power weakened
• How did Monmouth's Rebellion and the Bloody Assizes contribute to James II's downfall?

  They accelerated his political isolation and authority collapse
• What were the key consequences of the Bloody Assizes for James II's reign?

  • Alienation of key support groups
  • Loss of legitimacy due to public executions
  • Shift in public opinion against James
  • Beginning of political downfall leading to Glorious Revolution