The English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights, enacted in 1689, was a significant piece of legislation that codified certain liberties and rights for English subjects. Among its provisions, it affirmed that no Englishman could be subjected to slavery, reinforcing the principle of individual liberty and legal protections. This bill was part of a broader movement to establish constitutional limits on the powers of the monarchy and to secure the rights of citizens, further embedding the legal concept that slavery was incompatible with English law and liberties.
John Locke publishes Two Treatises of Government
John Locke publishes Two Treatises of Government (London, 1689) which arguably offers a justification for slavery – although few scholars now believe that Locke’s arguments were intended to be applied to the Atlantic slave trade.
The Convention Parliament Votes
The Convention Parliament voted that James II had ‘abdicated’ and that William and Mary should be offered the Crown.
The Commons Read the Declaration of Rights
The Commons read the Declaration of Rights to William and Mary, which they later enacted as statute, the Bill of Rights.
Parliament Declares War
Parliament declared war on France leading to the Nine Years’ War.