Jacobitism was an important aspect of Britain during a formative part of its development. The risings had their origin in the ‘Glorious Revolution’ of 1688, when James II of England, who was also James VII of Scotland, was overthrown in an invasion mounted by his nephew and son-in-law, William III of Orange.
Followed the defeat of the Jacobites in Scotland and Ireland in 1689-1691, the supporters of the exiled Stuarts, if they were to reverse the coup, would have to mount an invasion. During wars between Britain and France, they prepared to do so with the benefit of French support, notably in 1692 and 1708.
But peace between the two powers in 1713 created a new situation. Moreover, the accession, in 1714, of the House of Hanover in the person of George I brought to power a monarch and a Whig ministry who were determined to deny the Tories patronage and opportunities.
War Classics – Thermopylae: The Battle for the West