Jacobitism (Irish: Seacaibíteachas, Scottish Gaelic: Seumasachas) refers to the political movement in Great Britain and Ireland to restore the Stuart King James II of England and his heirs to the thrones of England, Scotland and Ireland. The movement took its name from Jacobus, the Latinised form of James.
After James II was deposed in 1688 and replaced by his daughter Mary II, ruling jointly with her husband and first cousin (James's nephew) William III, the Stuarts lived in exile, occasionally attempting to regain the throne. The strongholds of Jacobitism were the Scottish Highlands, Ireland and Northern England. Some support also existed in Wales.
The Jacobites believed that parliamentary interference with monarchical succession was illegal. Catholics also hoped the Stuarts would end recusancy. In Scotland, the Jacobite cause became entangled in the last throes of the warrior clan system.
The emblem of the Jacobites is the White Cockade. White Rose Day is celebrated on 10 June, the anniversary of the birth of the Old Pretender in 1688.
Read more about Jacobitism: Political Background, Religion, Jacobite Ideology, Jacobite Community and Policy, Military Campaigns and Jacobitism, Decline of Jacobitism, Outcome, Jacobite Claimants To The Thrones of England, Scotland, (France), and Ireland