A Fractured Society

Book excerpt: The Glorious Revolution marked the beginning of a politically turbulent quarter-century in London, as urban society became aroused and divided over such issues as the expansion of overseas trade, the scale of continental warfare, the emancipation of religious dissenters, and the widespread political involvement of a newly-informed public. This work takes a fresh look at the origins and consequences of party conflict in late Stuart London and sets city politics in a national context. De Krey also offers an in-depth analysis of the particular make-up and ideological transformation of each party.