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Why Did the Royal Family Change its Name to Windsor?
Queen Elizabeth II's death renewed interest in the British royal family internationally. Outreigning Queen Victoria by seven years, she was the longest-reigning monarch in British history. Something I learned from my personal increased interest is that the British Royals aren't originally Windsors. In fact, they aren't even originally British. So, why did this non-British British royal family take the name Windsor?
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The Cause Behind the Glorious Revolution: The Overthrew of James II
Hollland's William of Orange and English opposition leaders dethroned England’s King James II in 1689, in what became known as the Glorious Revolution and the beginning of modern constitutional monarchy. But why did the English join foreigners to overthrow their monarch?
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How Successful was James I?
He maintained Protestant rule and retained the loyalty of most of his subjects by pursuing an ecumenical policy among the various factions. This ecumenical spirit produced his greatest legacy, the King James Bible, which continues to carry his fame today.
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Reformation without the People: How the English Became Protestant
The Protestant Reformation did not come to England because of a religious revival or a sudden change of heart by the English people. King Henry VIII created the Church of England for personal reasons, and he never truly became Protestant in belief and practice. The schism with Rome did, however, allow for the political and ecclesiastic infiltration of Protestants that set in motion a thorough reformation under Edward VI and Elizabeth I.