William and Mary Propaganda
Throughout history there have been many revolutions where monarchs were removed from their thrones or countries have rebelled against the authority of the monarchs. Possibly the three most famous of these were the American Revolution, the French Revolution and the Bolshevik Revolution. When one thinks of these "fights for freedom", one imagines armies engaging in battles, soldiers brandishing swords or firing cannons. The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was not such a revolution. A King indeed was removed from the throne, in what is termed "The Bloodless Revolution", but without great bloodshed. No great armies met on battlefields, but battles were fought. They were fought with words, letters and documents of propaganda. By today's standards the amount of propaganda used might be considered a "media blitz." Like today's political propaganda, words were twisted, facts were given a "spin" and half truths became truths to further advance the cause of William.This propaganda created an atmosphere in England that allowed William and Mary to come to England and be crowned without massive strife or bloodshed. Prince William of Orange and those who supported him both in England and Holland waged an intense war of propaganda against Jam
To be depicted as a leader William was shown to be kind and courageous, wise and just. And even though those around knew him to be short tempered and irritable, he was portrayed to be "of sweet temper", "benign" and "affable." It was written that he could disarm his enemies by the "charming dispositions of his mind," and that his gentle nature was likened to that of the "meekness of Moses" combined with the "courage and Valiancy of Joshua." 1678 two events occurred that would heighten suspicion and anger towards Catholics by Protestants. In January 1688 Gaspel Fagel published a pamphlet called A Letter Written by Mijm Heer Fagel... to Mr. James Stewart, which express the views of William. William supported repealing the penal laws, but opposed the repeal of the Test Acts. This letter undermined the attempts by James to persuade the Dissenters that after James' death toleration would end. The letter showed the Dissenters that the repeal of the Test Acts was not needed to gain tolerance. William's agents distributed thirty thousand copies of the letter. These would be left in taverns and coffee houses. A similar pamphlet was published by Marquise George Halifax called A letter to a Dissenter , which expressed the same views. These letters were wildly distributed and read throughout England. The Declaration was printed in four languages: English, Dutch, German, and French. They were distributed throughout the British Isles from one end to the other, with an estimated 3000 copies distributed. Those loyal to William distributed them among friends and in taverns. Copies were sent to booksellers to be given away or sold. Copies were posted to the Penny Post. English printer John White of Yorkshire printed other copies. England was saturated with the documents. James Coleman, James' secretary, was found corresponding with Ferrier and later la Caise, the confessors of Louis XIV. As early as 1674 Coleman had been corresponding with aides of Louis asking for funds to help the cause to promote Catholicism and rid England of Protestantism. Coleman had also tried to make arrangements for Charles to be paid by France to dissolve Parliament. This correspondence became known as "The Coleman Letters." William and his friends knew that in the minds of the British opposing the king might be one matter but allowing an "invasion" and dethroning of that king, might be another different matter altogether. Therefore along with the efforts to put the best "spin" on William's appearance, personality and past achievements, it was also important to put a positive light on William's current purposes and future policies.
Some common words found in the essay are:
George Halifax, Joshua William, James II, Dutch Republic, Irish Army, Liberties England, Declaration Reasons, Popish Plot, Bloodless Revolution, Church Protestant, anglican church, protestant religion, catholic church, favorable light, propaganda william, james ii, england catholic country, french alliance, england catholic, catholic country, william mary, repeal test acts, laws liberties england,
Approximate Word count = 2905
Approximate Pages = 12 (250 words per page double spaced)
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