Exclusion Crisis

The Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681) was a political conflict in England over whether to exclude James, a Catholic, from succeeding to the throne. Many Protestants feared his religion would threaten their stability and laws. Some proposed laws to bar him from inheritance, hoping to ensure a Protestant monarchy. This created tension between those supporting exclusion and those favoring tradition and royal rights. The crisis highlighted religious and political divisions and influenced subsequent governance, culminating in laws like the Exclusion Acts. Ultimately, James stayed in line for the throne, leading to ongoing debates about religion and monarchy in England.