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The History of England (Hume) Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: David Hume's History of England: Publication, Content, and Reception

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David Hume's History of England: Publication, Content, and Reception Study Guide

Publication Details and Chronology

David Hume's seminal historical work, which chronicles English history, is titled 'The History of Great Britain'.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Hume's seminal historical work is titled 'The History of England,' not 'The History of Great Britain'.

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David Hume's magnum opus, 'The History of England,' was published in six volumes, with the complete series issued between 1754 and 1762.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Hume's 'The History of England' was published in six volumes between the years 1754 and 1762.

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The volumes of Hume's 'The History of England' were published in strict chronological order of the historical periods they described.

Answer: False

Explanation: The publication sequence of the volumes comprising David Hume's 'The History of England' did not adhere strictly to the chronological order of the historical periods they covered.

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The first volume of Hume's history to be released was Volume 1, covering the earliest periods.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first volume of Hume's history to be released was Volume V in 1754; Volume I was published last in 1762.

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Volume 5 of Hume's history is titled 'The history of Great Britain, containing the reigns of James I and Charles I.'

Answer: True

Explanation: Volume V of David Hume's historical work is titled 'The History of Great Britain, containing the reigns of James I and Charles I.'

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What is the full title of David Hume's major historical work?

Answer: The History of England

Explanation: David Hume's monumental historical treatise is titled 'The History of England'.

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Which volume of Hume's history was published first, and in what year?

Answer: Volume 5, in 1754

Explanation: The first volume of Hume's history to be published was Volume V in 1754.

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Why might some later volumes of Hume's work be mistakenly referred to as 'History of Great Britain'?

Answer: Because specific volumes, like Volume 5, cover periods relevant to both England and Scotland within the unified monarchy.

Explanation: Later volumes of Hume's work, specifically Volumes V and VI, are titled 'The History of Great Britain' as they cover periods relevant to the unified monarchy of England and Scotland.

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Scope and Content

The scope of David Hume's 'The History of England' extends from the Norman Conquest to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

Answer: False

Explanation: The scope of David Hume's 'The History of England' extends from the initial invasion by Julius Caesar to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

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Volumes 1 and 2 of Hume's history cover the period from the invasion of Julius Caesar up to the reign of Henry VII.

Answer: True

Explanation: Volumes I and II of David Hume's 'The History of England' cover the historical period from the invasion of Julius Caesar to the accession of Henry VII.

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Which time period does Hume's 'The History of England' primarily cover?

Answer: From the invasion of Julius Caesar to the Revolution of 1688

Explanation: David Hume's 'The History of England' comprehensively covers the period from the initial invasion by Julius Caesar to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.

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What historical period is covered by Volumes 3 and 4 of Hume's 'The History of England'?

Answer: The House of Tudor (AD 1485–1601)

Explanation: Volumes III and IV of David Hume's 'The History of England' cover the period of the House of Tudor, from AD 1485 to 1601.

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What period does Volume 2 of "The Early History of England" cover?

Answer: From the establishment of Magna Carta up to the Wars of the Roses

Explanation: Volume II of 'The Early History of England' covers the period from the establishment of Magna Carta up to the Wars of the Roses.

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Historical Analysis and Interpretation

Hume's primary motivation for writing about the 1688 Revolution was to criticize its outcomes and advocate for a return to absolute monarchy.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Hume's primary motivation for writing about the 1688 Revolution was not to advocate for a return to absolute monarchy, but rather to legitimize the event and foster political stability by appealing to both Whigs and former Jacobites.

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Hume believed the Revolution of 1688 solidified popular principles and made the English Constitution's nature beyond dispute.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Hume posited that the Glorious Revolution of 1688 significantly solidified principles of liberty and rendered the fundamental nature of the English Constitution indisputable.

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The 'antinomian interpretation of British freedom' suggests liberty evolved gradually without significant revolutionary acts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'antinomian interpretation of British freedom,' as discussed in relation to Hume's work, proposes that liberty emerged significantly through revolutionary acts, rather than solely through gradual evolution.

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Hume viewed the British Constitution as a seamless evolution stretching back to ancient documents like Magna Carta.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to traditional views, David Hume did not perceive the British Constitution as a seamless evolution from ancient precedents such as Magna Carta; rather, he emphasized the transformative impact of the 1688 Revolution.

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Hume considered the Crusades to be a monument to human wisdom and progress.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Hume characterized the Crusades not as a monument to human wisdom and progress, but rather as 'the most signal and most durable monument of human folly'.

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According to Hume, what was the constitutional significance of the 1688 Revolution?

Answer: It significantly advanced principles of liberty and established a new precedent for governance.

Explanation: David Hume posited that the Glorious Revolution of 1688 significantly advanced principles of liberty and established a new precedent for governance, solidifying the nature of the English Constitution.

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What does the 'antinomian interpretation of British freedom' suggest about the origins of liberty?

Answer: Liberty arose significantly from revolutionary acts, not just evolution.

Explanation: The 'antinomian interpretation of British freedom,' as discussed in relation to Hume's work, proposes that liberty emerged significantly through revolutionary acts, rather than solely through gradual evolution.

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How did Hume view the historical continuity of the British Constitution compared to traditional views?

Answer: He believed it was fundamentally shaped and defined by the 1688 Revolution.

Explanation: Contrary to traditional views, David Hume did not perceive the British Constitution as a seamless evolution from ancient precedents; rather, he emphasized the transformative impact of the 1688 Revolution.

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How did Hume characterize the Crusades in the context of Western civilization?

Answer: As a monument to human folly and irrationality.

Explanation: David Hume characterized the Crusades not as a monument to human wisdom and progress, but rather as 'the most signal and most durable monument of human folly'.

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Key Historical Eras and Figures

A coalition of English Whigs and Tories invited William of Orange to invade England.

Answer: True

Explanation: A coalition comprising prominent English Whigs and Tories extended an invitation to William of Orange, requesting his intervention in England.

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To appease Tory principles, the political fiction adopted was that King James II had been formally deposed and executed.

Answer: False

Explanation: To uphold Tory principles regarding the sanctity of the monarchy, the political fiction adopted was that King James II had voluntarily abdicated the throne, rather than being formally deposed.

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The Scottish Parliamentary Convention declared that King James had forfeited his title to the crown due to maladministration.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Scottish Parliamentary Convention formally declared that King James had forfeited his title to the crown, citing his maladministration and abuses of power.

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The Bill of Rights was established for Scotland, while the Claim of Right served as the basic law for England.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Bill of Rights was enacted for England, while the Claim of Right served as the foundational legal document for Scotland during the 1688 period.

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The Scottish Claim of Right asserted that assertions of a right to rule above the law were themselves against the law.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Scottish Claim of Right asserted that any claims to rule above the law were themselves contrary to the established legal framework.

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John Locke was a key intellectual influence behind the Scottish Claim of Right.

Answer: False

Explanation: John Locke was not a primary intellectual influence behind the Scottish Claim of Right; that role is more closely associated with James Dalrymple, 1st Viscount of Stair.

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Hume's narrative for 'The History of Great Britain Part 1' begins with the peaceful accession of James VI to the English throne.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Hume's narrative for 'The History of Great Britain Part 1' commences with the peaceful accession of James VI of Scotland to the English throne, marking the union of the crowns.

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Charles I's attempt to rule without Parliament collapsed primarily due to foreign invasions.

Answer: False

Explanation: Charles I's attempt to govern without parliamentary consent ultimately collapsed not primarily due to foreign invasions, but rather due to internal conflicts, specifically the revolution of the National Covenant in Scotland and the Irish rebellion.

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Hume's 'History of the House of Tudor' begins with the reign of Henry VII.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Hume's 'History of the House of Tudor' commences with the reign of Henry VII.

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Hume's findings regarding Mary, Queen of Scots, concluded she was innocent of her husband's murder.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Hume's findings regarding Mary, Queen of Scots, concluded she was complicit in the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley, a controversial assertion.

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What political fiction was employed regarding King James II to appease certain political principles during the 1688 Revolution?

Answer: That he had voluntarily abdicated the throne.

Explanation: To uphold Tory principles regarding the sanctity of the monarchy, the political fiction adopted was that King James II had voluntarily abdicated the throne, rather than being formally deposed.

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What significant declaration did the Scottish Parliamentary Convention make regarding King James's rule?

Answer: That James had forfeited all title to the crown due to his actions.

Explanation: The Scottish Parliamentary Convention formally declared that King James had forfeited his title to the crown, citing his maladministration and abuses of power.

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Which of the following pairs correctly identifies the key declarations of right from the 1688 period and their respective nations?

Answer: Bill of Rights (England) and Claim of Right (Scotland)

Explanation: The Bill of Rights was enacted for England, while the Claim of Right served as the foundational legal document for Scotland during the 1688 period.

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What was a key difference in emphasis between the English Bill of Rights and the Scottish Claim of Right?

Answer: The Bill of Rights stated the King could not make laws without Parliament; the Claim of Right asserted that asserting rights above the law was illegal.

Explanation: While both documents limited royal power, the English Bill of Rights focused on parliamentary authority over legislation, whereas the Scottish Claim of Right emphasized that asserting rights above the law was itself illegal.

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Who is identified as a key intellectual influence behind the Scottish Claim of Right?

Answer: James Dalrymple, 1st Viscount of Stair

Explanation: James Dalrymple, 1st Viscount of Stair, is identified as a principal intellectual influence behind the formulation of the Scottish Claim of Right.

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What significant event marks the beginning of Hume's narrative in 'The History of Great Britain Part 1'?

Answer: The peaceful accession of James VI as the first King of Great Britain

Explanation: David Hume's narrative for 'The History of Great Britain Part 1' commences with the peaceful accession of James VI of Scotland to the English throne, marking the union of the crowns.

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What primarily led to the collapse of Charles I's attempt to rule without Parliament?

Answer: Provoking the revolution of the National Covenant in Scotland and the Irish rebellion.

Explanation: Charles I's attempt to govern without parliamentary consent ultimately collapsed not primarily due to foreign invasions, but rather due to internal conflicts, specifically the revolution of the National Covenant in Scotland and the Irish rebellion.

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Which of the following is a key event recounted in Hume's 'History of Great Britain Part 2'?

Answer: Cromwell's suppression of the Irish revolt and the Restoration of Charles II

Explanation: David Hume's 'History of Great Britain Part 2' recounts significant events including Cromwell's suppression of the Irish revolt and the Restoration of Charles II.

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How did Hume describe the execution of the regicides after the Restoration?

Answer: With a tone acknowledging their confidence in facing death, akin to martyrs.

Explanation: David Hume characterized the execution of the regicides following the Restoration with a tone that acknowledged their confidence in facing death, comparing it to that of martyrs.

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Hume's 'History of the House of Tudor' begins with which monarch?

Answer: Henry VII

Explanation: David Hume's 'History of the House of Tudor' commences with the reign of Henry VII.

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What was the main point of controversy regarding Hume's account of Mary, Queen of Scots?

Answer: His assertion that she was complicit in the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley.

Explanation: David Hume's findings regarding Mary, Queen of Scots, concluded she was complicit in the murder of her husband, Lord Darnley, a controversial assertion that generated significant outrage.

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Hume's Intellectual Context and Motivations

Hume aimed to create a historical narrative that would bridge the divide between Whig and Tory factions.

Answer: True

Explanation: A key objective for David Hume in composing his historical narrative was to foster reconciliation and bridge the ideological chasm between the Whig and Tory political factions.

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Hume's essay "Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth" proposed a highly centralized governmental scheme.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Hume's essay 'Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth' proposed a governmental model characterized by decentralization, rather than a highly centralized scheme.

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Hume praised Isaac Newton as the greatest genius for his work in natural philosophy.

Answer: True

Explanation: David Hume lauded Isaac Newton as 'the greatest and rarest genius' for his profound contributions to natural philosophy.

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What recent historical event significantly influenced Hume's approach to writing about the 1688 Revolution?

Answer: The 1745 Jacobite uprising

Explanation: The recent memory of the 1745 Jacobite uprising, which posed a significant threat to the Hanoverian succession, profoundly influenced Hume's approach to legitimizing the 1688 Revolution.

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What was Hume's primary objective concerning political factions when writing his history?

Answer: To create a narrative appealing to both Whigs and former Jacobites to foster unity.

Explanation: A key objective for David Hume in composing his historical narrative was to foster reconciliation and bridge the ideological chasm between the Whig and Tory political factions, thereby promoting stability.

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Hume's essay "Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth" proposed a governmental model that was notably:

Answer: Highly devolved and resembling Presbyterian church government.

Explanation: David Hume's essay 'Idea of a Perfect Commonwealth' proposed a highly devolved scheme, structured similarly to Presbyterian church government, emphasizing decentralization.

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Which British scientist did Hume praise as 'the greatest and rarest genius'?

Answer: Isaac Newton

Explanation: David Hume lauded Isaac Newton as 'the greatest and rarest genius' for his profound contributions to natural philosophy.

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Reception and Critical Response

Upon its initial release, Hume's 'History of England' was met with universal acclaim from all political viewpoints.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial reception of David Hume's 'The History of England' was characterized by widespread condemnation across the political spectrum, rather than universal acclaim.

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Despite facing significant criticism, Hume's 'History of England' became a bestseller and provided him with financial independence.

Answer: True

Explanation: Despite facing significant criticism, Hume's 'History of England' achieved considerable commercial success, becoming a best-seller and furnishing Hume with the financial security he had long sought.

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Hume, being Scottish, deliberately avoided addressing anti-Scottish prejudice in his historical writings.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to avoiding the issue, David Hume, a Scottish author, addressed prevalent anti-Scottish prejudice by employing a technique known as 'internalised Scoticism'.

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The first volume of Hume's history faced outrage due to his sympathetic portrayal of Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial volume of Hume's history provoked outrage not due to a sympathetic portrayal of Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians, but rather because of his sympathetic treatment of Charles I and the Earl of Strafford.

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Thomas Jefferson believed Hume's 'History of England' supported the principles of the English government.

Answer: False

Explanation: Thomas Jefferson held a critical view of Hume's 'History of England,' believing it undermined the principles of the English government.

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Hume acknowledged that the alterations he made to the text concerning the Stuarts consistently favored the Whig perspective.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Hume acknowledged that the textual alterations he implemented concerning the reigns of the first two Stuart monarchs were consistently made to the Tory side, not the Whig.

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How was Hume's 'History of England' initially received by the public and critics?

Answer: It was met with widespread outrage from all political factions.

Explanation: Upon its initial publication, Hume's 'The History of England' encountered significant public and critical outrage from virtually all political factions.

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How did Hume, a Scottish author, handle the anti-Scottish prejudice prevalent in England?

Answer: He employed 'internalised Scoticism,' subtly using prevailing sentiments.

Explanation: As a Scottish author, David Hume addressed the prevalent anti-Scottish prejudice within England by employing a technique known as 'internalised Scoticism,' subtly incorporating prevailing sentiments into his narrative.

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Why did Hume's initial portrayal of Charles I and the Earl of Strafford in the first volume cause public outrage?

Answer: He expressed sympathy for them, figures deeply unpopular with many factions.

Explanation: The initial volume of Hume's history provoked outrage not due to a sympathetic portrayal of Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians, but rather because of his sympathetic treatment of Charles I and the Earl of Strafford.

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How was the second volume of Hume's history, covering the period after Charles I's death, received compared to the first?

Answer: It was better received and considered less offensive to the Whigs.

Explanation: The second volume of Hume's history, published in 1756, was better received than the first, being considered less offensive to the Whigs.

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What was Thomas Jefferson's assessment of Hume's 'History of England'?

Answer: He called it "poison" and detrimental to the principles of the English government.

Explanation: Thomas Jefferson held a critical view of Hume's 'History of England,' believing it undermined the principles of the English government and referring to it as 'poison'.

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Hume stated that the alterations he made to the text of his history concerning the reigns of the first two Stuarts were consistently:

Answer: Towards the Tory perspective.

Explanation: David Hume acknowledged that the textual alterations he implemented concerning the reigns of the first two Stuart monarchs were consistently made to the Tory side, not the Whig.

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