The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 5

"The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 5" by Thomas Babington Macaulay is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. This volume, as part of Macaulay's ambitious project detailing English history, covers significant events concerning the political landscape of England during the late 17th century, particularly focusing on the complexities surrounding standing armies, political intrigues, and the dynamics within Parliament. At the start of the volume, the narrative unfolds in December 1697, following the celebration of peace after the Treaty of Ryswick. The Parliament reconvenes to address pressing issues, particularly the fate of the standing army, as public sentiment leans against maintaining a military force in peacetime. Macaulay details the debates and conflicts among key political figures, illustrating the precarious balance of power in government. He introduces character dynamics involving Sunderland, Montague, and various members of Parliament, detailing their motivations and conflicts as they grapple with the implications of military presence and the shifting tides of public opinion. Through the opening chapters, we witness a vivid portrayal of political maneuvering and social discourse against the backdrop of English history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Thomas Babington Macaulay, 1st Baron Macaulay, was a British historian, poet, and Whig politician, who served as the Secretary at War between 1839 and 1841, and as the Paymaster General between 1846 and 1848. He also played a substantial role in determining India's education policy.