61. James the Second had only reigned in England three years, and during that time the Protestants were so cruelly treated in France, that thousands of industrious artisans came over here, chiefly silk weavers, but also watchmakers, cutlers, and manufacturers of glass, writing paper and many other things; from whom the English learned to make all these things as well as the French. 62. The middle classes were much better off than at any former time, on account of the increase of trade; but the lower orders were not so well off, for wages were less, in proportion to the prices of bread and meat, than they were at earlier periods of our history. QUESTIONS. 2. What was the gunpowder plot? 3. What was the opinion of the new king with regard to sovereignty? 4. How were the American States first colonized? 5. Who succeeded James the first? 6. What gave rise to quarrels between the king and parliament? 9. Who were the Roundheads? 11. What sort of government was desired by the people? 14. Who was Oliver Cromwell? 16. What were the Cavaliers? 17. What was the ultimate fate of king Charles? 19. Name the date of his death. 20. Did this event put an end to the war? 21. What was the battle of Worcester? 30. How did Cromwell obtain sovereign power? 31. What was his title? 33. What conquests were made in his time? 37. How long did Cromwell rule? 38. What improvements were made in his time? 39. What followed the death of Cromwell? 40. Name the date of the restoration. 44. What calamities befel London in this reign? 60. In what year was the fire of London? 63. Why did it eventually prove a benefit? 65. When was tea first brought to England? 58. How long did Charles the Second reign? 59. Why was James disliked by many of the people? 61. How were the useful arts improved in England, about this time? CHAPTER XVI. THE REVOLUTION.--1689 TO 1714. [Illustration: DUKE OF MARLBOROUGH.] 1. The changes made in the government by taking the crown from James the Second, and giving it to William the Third, was called the Revolution, and was a good thing for England, as it was then settled that no sovereign, in the future, should follow his own will, or act contrary to the laws of the country; that all new laws should be proposed by the parliament, and not by the king; who was only to have the power of giving or refusing his consent to them; which is very different from being able to make laws without asking any one, as the kings and queens of England had hitherto often done.