As we inch toward the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let me share a couple of reflections on the background of how this extraordinary, unprecedented, and daring event succeeded.

Two decades ago, I set out to write a book about the events known as the Glorious Revolution of 1688-89. I suspected that this revolution—the ouster of the Catholic King James II of England and the installation of his Protestant son-in-law (and nephew) William III and daughter Mary I — was helpful, perhaps a necessary precursor of the American Revolution.