The King Over the Water: A Complete History of the Jacobites

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The movement had an international dimension; several European powers sponsored the Jacobites as an extension of larger conflicts, while many Jacobite exiles served in foreign armies. After various failed plans in the complicated area of French–English–Spanish–Dutch relations, the death of Cromwell and the inefficiency of his son, Tumble-Down-Dick (fascinating how the Commonwealth became hereditary, just like a monarchy) changed the game. Instead, they created organisations like the Catholic Convention, which worked within the existing state for redress of Catholic grievances. Seward argues convincingly that Jacobitism quickly became about far more than merely restoring a claimant to the throne.

English Society, 1688–1832: Ideology, Social Structure, and Political Practice During the Ancien Regime. The English Jacobites made it clear they would do nothing without foreign backing, which despite Charles's overtures to Frederick II of Prussia seemed unlikely.In a 1754 dispute with the English conspirators, a drunken and increasingly desperate Charles threatened to publish their names for having "betrayed" him; most remaining English sympathisers now left the cause. Other however argue that it is hard to discern "how far rhetorical Jacobitism reflected support for the Stuarts, as opposed to discontent with the status quo". But perhaps the best tribute Charles paid to the city can be seen on the plaque itself: ‘The Flemings are the most honest and true-hearted race of people I have met with. Organised by a small group of Catholic nobility, the October 1641 Irish Rebellion was the cumulative effect of land confiscation, loss of political control, anti-Catholic measures and economic decline.

Although the Stuarts were useful as a lever, their foreign backers generally had little interest in their restoration. Relics and mementoes of 1745 were preserved, and Charles himself celebrated in "increasingly emotional language".Irish Catholic support for James was predicated on his religion and assumed willingness to deliver their demands.