ABSTRACT
Placing Britain at the outset of the period depends in part on the understanding of the Glorious Revolution of 1688-9. Because, although there were important continuities in the international system, notably the expansionist policies of Louis XIV of France, the Glorious Revolution entailed a new political situation within Britain as well as a far more active foreign policy. Yet, the nature of that system and its implications for British foreign policy remain contentious. The war shaped the nature and operation of what became the Revolution Settlement, not least by putting the government under serious and sustained financial pressure, and thus ensuring that the role of Parliament was expanded. In particular, the problems facing Britain in wartime helped ensure that Parliament in the 1690s became an annual part of the political system, while, under the Triennial Act of 1694, elections were to be held at least every three years.
