Jacobitism

Not to be confused with Jacobinism, Jacobitism was the political movement dedicated to the return of the Stuart kings to the thrones of England and Scotland (and later, the United Kingdom).

Jacobitism was a response to the deposition of [James II]? in 1688 and his replacement with William of Orange. The Stuarts resided on the European continent after that, occasionally attempting to regain the throne with the aid of France. Within the British Isles, the primary seats of Jacobitism were Ireland and especially Highland Scotland.

Rebellions occurred in 1688, 1715 and 1745. Some clans were staunchly Jacobite, but many others were pro-English or divided. In the 1745 rebellion Scottish troops under Bonnie Prince Charlie, [Charles Edward Stuart]?, the son of James II, advanced into England and then turned around before reaching London. They were defeated in Scotland at the [Battle of Culloden]? by English and loyalist Scottish forces. The seemingly suicidal sword charge against cannon and muskets had succeeded early in the campaign but failed now. This battle crushed the rebellion.

Jacobitism entered permanent decline after one final Highland rebellion, the Forty-Five. In an effort to prevent further trouble, the government outlawed many Highland cultural practices. Laws required all swords to be surrendered to the government, that no tartan or kilts be worn, that the Gaelic language not be spoken, and that bagpipes not be played. Government troops were stationed in the Highlands and built roads and barracks to better control the region. The extent of enforcement of the prohibitions was variable and sometimes related to a clan's support of the government during the rebellion.

Afterwards, Jacobitism was mainly a subject of romantic poetry and literature, notably the work of Sir Walter Scott and [Robert Burns]?. The last Stuart pretender to the throne was the self-styled Henry IX, younger brother of Charles Edward. After the collapse of the Stuart cause he became a Roman Catholic priest, and eventually a cardinal. After coming into financial difficulty during the French Revolution, he was granted a stipend by [George III]?. In gratitude he bequeathed the remaining crown jewels of James II to the Prince of Wales, the future [George IV]?.

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