1689 facts for kids

1689 was a very important year, especially for England! It was a time of big changes in how countries were ruled and how people lived. This year saw new kings and queens, important laws, and even some battles far away. Let's explore what happened!

Big Changes in England

A New King and Queen

In 1689, England was going through a major shift in power. On January 11, the Parliament of England decided that King James II of England was no longer the king. This was a huge deal!

Just over a month later, on February 13, two new rulers were announced: William III and Mary II. They became the co-rulers of England, Scotland, and Ireland. However, not everyone in Scotland and Ireland immediately agreed with this change.

On April 11, the same day as their official crowning, the leaders in Scotland also declared that King James VII (who was also James II of England) was no longer their king. William and Mary were then crowned King and Queen of England, Scotland, and Ireland. Still, Ireland did not yet fully accept them.

New Laws and Taxes

This year also brought important new laws. On May 24, the English Parliament passed the Act of Toleration. This law was a big step for religious freedom, as it protected Protestants. However, it's important to know that it purposely did not include Roman Catholics.

Another change happened with taxes. On May 25, the very last collection of the "Hearth Tax" took place in England and Wales. This was a tax based on the number of fireplaces in a house. King William III decided to get rid of it, which was probably good news for many people!

Wars and Conflicts

King William's War Begins

On May 12, King William III of England joined a group called the League of Augsburg. This action marked the beginning of a conflict known as King William's War. It was a major war involving many European countries.

Rebellions and Attacks

Far across the ocean, in the American colonies, there was also unrest. On May 31, a leader named Jacob Leisler took control of the New York colony. This event is known as Leisler's Rebellion. Leisler, a Calvinist, removed the previous lieutenant governor, Francis Nicholson.

Back in Europe, on July 27, the Battle of Killiecrankie ended. This battle was part of the Glorious Revolution, a series of events that led to William and Mary becoming rulers.

In North America, on August 5, about 1,500 Iroquois warriors attacked the village of Lachine in New France (which is now Canada). This was a significant event in the ongoing conflicts between Native American tribes and European settlers.

Global Connections

Treaty Between China and Russia

Not all events were about war. On August 27, a very important agreement was signed between two huge countries: China and Russia. They signed the Treaty of Nerchinsk. This treaty helped define the borders between their empires and set up rules for trade. It was a big step in their relationship.

Important Declaration

The English Bill of Rights

One of the most lasting and important events of 1689 happened on December 16. This was the official declaration of the English Bill of Rights. This document was a major step in protecting the rights of English citizens and limiting the power of the monarch (the king or queen). It laid down rules about what the king could and could not do, and it gave more power to Parliament. It's a very important document in the history of democracy!

Images for kids

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  Montesquieu, a famous French thinker.

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  John V of Portugal, who would become king later.

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  Christina, Queen of Sweden, a very smart and independent queen.

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  Thomas Sydenham, an important English doctor.

See also

In Spanish: 1689 para niños