What Events In Britain Influenced Enlightenment Thinkers?

The 'Glorious Revolution' of 1688 in England provided an alternative to absolute monarchy which influenced many Enlightenment thinkers, such as Voltaire and Montesquieu. After King Fames II was replaced by William III, a system of limited monarchy emerged. Much of the real power was held by parliament which consisted of two chambers - one elected and one un-elected. This system proved useful, with Britain's strength growing rapidly. Britain became the most advanced and prosperous country in the world as a result of agricultural and industrial revolutions.   

In addition, Britain's colonial empire was rapidly growing and the country was tremendously strong militarily. The country emerged as one of the strongest states in Europe, proving that it was possible to achieve political stability, economic strength and military power without absolute monarchy. John Locke, one of the Enlightenment philosophers, justified many of these claims in his various literature which impressed many of the Philosophes.