Jacobitism
Political movement seeking Stuart restoration after 1688.
Jacobitism was a political movement active from 1688 to the end of the 18th century, primarily seeking the restoration of the exiled House of Stuart to the British throne. It was strongest in Ireland, the Western Scottish Highlands, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Wales, and Northern England. The movement argued that the post-1688 regime was illegitimate because kings held their office through divine right, though Jacobitism also served as an outlet for popular discontent and contained a complex mix of ideas, many opposed by the Stuarts themselves.
- born
- 1688
- died
- End of the 18th century
- field
- Political movement
- nationality
- British (active in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales)
- known_for
- Restoration of the House of Stuart to the British throne
Lore & Background
Jacobite ideology originated with James VI and I, who became the first monarch to rule all three kingdoms in 1603. Its basis was divine right, emphasizing hereditary descent and personal rule, which eliminated the need for Parliaments and required political and religious union—concepts widely unpopular, especially in England. After James's death in 1625, his son Charles I continued these policies, leading to the Bishops' Wars, the Irish Rebellion of 1641, and the First English Civil War. The Stuarts were unreliable allies, as concessions in Ireland cost them Protestant support, and the Adventurers' Act of 1642 funded suppression by confiscating land from Irish Catholics.
Reader's Guide
Jacobitism's significance lies in its challenge to the post-1688 settlement and its role as a vehicle for popular discontent across Britain and Ireland. The movement prompted serious revolts in 1715, 1719, and 1745, as well as French invasion attempts in 1708 and 1744. The 1745 Rising briefly threatened the Hanoverian monarchy, but its defeat in 1746 ended Jacobitism as a serious political force. The movement highlighted tensions over divine right, religious uniformity, and the union of the three kingdoms, and its failure cemented the Protestant succession and the 1707 Union of England and Scotland. Jacobite ideology also reflected the complex interplay between Catholic and Protestant interests, as well as the strategic use of the Stuarts by France to tie down British resources.
Did You Know?
- Jacobitism was strongest in Ireland, the Western Scottish Highlands, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, Wales, and Northern England.
- The birth of James II's son on 10 June 1688 created the prospect of a Catholic royal dynasty, helping to trigger the Glorious Revolution.
- The 1745 Rising briefly seemed to threaten the Hanoverian monarchy, but its defeat in 1746 ended Jacobitism as a serious political movement.
- The Act of Settlement 1701 barred Catholics from the English throne, making Anne's heir her Protestant cousin Sophia of Hanover.
More in European Religious And Political Conflicts 1-19
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record