1688 Revolution Totally Explained

Everything about The 1688 Revolution totally explained

The 1688 Revolution was the successful coup d'état by Okphra Phetracha against the government of King Narai of the Siamese kingdom of Ayutthaya. This was followed by a dramatic shift in the kingdom's policies and governance, particularly in its foreign relations; where Narai was very open and outgoing in his relations, sending embassies as far away as Europe and Africa, the new government severed ties with France and sought to expel French influences and agents from the country.

Chronology

King Narai fell gravely ill in March 1688, and summoned his three closest advisors, Phetracha, Mom Pi, and the Greek Constantine Phaulkon, asking them to serve as regents over his successor, his daughter Kromluang Yothathep. She was meant to choose either Phetracha or Mom Pi as her husband and king, in order to end the regency. However, Phetracha, Master of the Royal Elephants, took this opportunity to act, leading a coup backed by an anti-foreign faction of the Court and Buddhist clergy.
   These anti-foreign sentiments were mainly directed at the French and at Phaulkon. Many courtiers resented the dominance of the Greek Phaulkon in state affairs, along with his Japanese wife and European lifestyle while the Buddhist clergy were uneasy with the increasing prominence of the French Jesuits. The courtiers thus formed themselves into an anti-foreign faction. It is also notable, however, that other foreigners who had established themselves in Ayutthaya before the French, in particular the Protestant Dutch, English, and the Persians also resented the growing political and economic influence of the Catholic French. Even other established Catholic factions, such as the Portuguese, had reason to resent the French presence, a violation of the Treaty of Tordesillas, which promised the region to Portuguese missionaries. The increasing French influence not only increased competition but was also an unwelcome reminder of the declining fortunes of Portugal.
   Phetracha had Constantine Phaulkon arrested on accusations of treason on 5 June. Phaulkon was tortured and later beheaded, along with Mom Pi and both of Narai's brothers (who were potential heirs). King Narai died on 11 July, and Phetracha seized the throne. He then arranged a peaceful settlement with the British East India Company, against whom the kingdom had been warring for roughly a year; this settlement included a promise to expel the French from the country. Royal forces assaulted French garrisons across the country. It wasn't until over two months later, however, that the French in Bangkok agreed to leave, returning to Pondicherry in India, after royal forces killed or captured many French soldiers in Mergui. Further attacks against Catholic missionaries followed, in the wake of the violent resistance of the withdrawing French forces.
   A rebellion broke out in 1690 against Phetracha's rule, led by Thammathian, but was suppressed. The governors of several regional provinces likewise refused to accept Phetracha's rule, and stood in rebellion until 1691.
   Phetracha reversed Narai's attitudes and policies of welcoming political alliances with European and other powers. Trade declined, and the Dutch East India Company became the only major European power in Ayutthaya, while Indians, Chinese, and Muslim traders from other parts of Southeast Asia continued to trade freely. Over the course of Phetracha's reign (1688-1703), only a very few ships were sent abroad on formal royal commercial or diplomatic business, to China, Tonking, Manila, Batavia, and Muslim ports in India.

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