History of England: Tyranny and Freedom

From Oliver Cromwell to John Locke the English were on a rocky road toward natural rights. Oliver Cromwell gained the title of Lord Protector of the English government from 1653-1658. He was the leader of the new model army. He considered becoming the King of England for a brief time. He was a strict Puritan and ruled in a military fashion.

England was tired of the Cromwells and returned to the royal line for their country's leadership. Soon enough, they had James II on the throne who worried them. They didn't want a repeat of the war or the Protectorate. England did not want an absolutist King. The majority wanted an Anglican on the throne. William of Orange, being married to James' daughter, was the next non-Catholic in the royal line. He was urged to come to England to save its liberties. King James fled to France when William arrived avoiding a civil war. William and Mary ruled jointly, agreeing on the Bill of Rights 1689.

The Glorious Revolution was considered bloodless only having 15 deaths in total.

John Locke was a philosopher who wrote to legitimize the Glorious Revolution. He believed in owning oneself. He believed that you first gain ownership once you mix your labor with the land to improve it. After that property rights are conveyed through free trade. John Locke believed that the monarchy fails to resolve the inconveniences of the state of nature by delegating some powers of self. You no longer have the right to seek your own justice. Government will impose punishments and seek restitution.