Who was James 2 and what did he do that was controversial? What did people fear?

Answer: James II was the last English (in Scotland James VII) king of Stuart dynasty. He was a second king after the Restoration of monarchy. Stuart dynasty was of Scottish origin and therefore Catholic, whereas England was a Protestant country. When his older brother and king Charles II died (February 1685), James became quite popular. Because his heir was his daughter Mary was a Protestant, he tried to obtain civil equality and religious freedom for his fellow Catholics. However, mass conversion (something he expected) failed to materialise. Situation changed when his son was born (June 1688) - it heralded Catholic succession. Reaction? Two Whig and two Tory politicians (so-called "Immortal Seven") invited James' son-in-law, protestant Dutch standholder, William of Orange to intervene and to restore "ancient laws and liberties". The result was "Glorious Revolution".

Explanation: James fled to France because his support evaporated. Power vacuum resulted. In February 1789 declared that James II had abdicated. Neither him nor his sons were able to return and restore Stuart monarchy.