# James II becomes king (1685)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1685-james-ii-becomes-king
Categories: ruler-change

The openly Catholic James succeeded his brother Charles II. Within the broader Stuarts & Revolutions period, the shared monarchy of England, Scotland and Ireland produced conflicts over religion, taxation and sovereignty that culminated in civil war, revolution and union. This event is placed at 1685 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. His efforts to expand royal power and religious toleration alarmed many Protestant political elites.

## Why it matters
His efforts to expand royal power and religious toleration alarmed many Protestant political elites.

Ruler at the time: [James II](https://english-history.com/rulers/james-ii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — James II becomes king](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=James+II+becomes+king&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — James II becomes king](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=James+II+becomes+king)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281600%E2%80%931699%29)
- [UK Parliament — Living Heritage](https://www.parliament.uk/about/living-heritage/)