Was the Restoration Settlement 1660-64 the main reason for Charles II's difficult relations with his parliaments in the years 1665-81? - In-depth essay plan for this type of exam question
Was the Restoration Settlement of 1660-64 the main reason for Charles II’s
difficult relations with his parliaments in the years 1665-81?
Introduction
Context: The failure of Cromwell’s parliaments led to the restoration of the Stuart
monarchy, but conflict between monarch and parliament continued like Charles I reign due
to…
Factors:
1. The Restoration Settlement
2. Fear of Catholicism
3. Non-conformists
Judgement: it was the fear of Catholicism that was the main reason for difficult relations
between king and parliament
Paragraph 1: The Restoration Settlement
- The Savoy conference and act of uniformity – Against Charles’ wish for toleration: the
object was to revise the Common Book of Prayer (Anglican), not accepted and resulted
in the Anglican church splitting up and the dissenting non-conformists leaving.
- Declaration of Indulgence: 1662 Charles attempted a Declaration of Indulgence (penal
laws against Catholics and Protestant dissenters to be suspended), however Anglican
Parliament forced him to withdraw it.
- Corporation Act 1661: An act of Parliament, created for the purpose of restricting public
offices in England to members of the Church of England
- Triennial Act of 1641 repealed in 1664 (aka the dissolution act): originally passed by the
Long Parliament, made it a requirement for Parliament to meet annually and hold
elections once every 3 years.
Caused tension: revising the Anglican Common Book of Prayer went against Charles’ wish
for toleration. Charles’ Declaration of Indulgence was forced to be withdrawn. Parliament
restricted public offices in England to the members of the Church of England. Parliament
made it a requirement to meet anually etc, giving them more power.
CA: Charles willing to accept the Act of Uniformity and parliaments policy on religion as he
wanted avoid what happened to Charles I and needed money from Parliament.
Paragraph 2: Fear of Catholicism
- The Great Fire of London: Rumours spread that Catholics started the fire – sparked fear
spread across nation and people began to place blame on James and even the king
himself - increasing tension between king and parliament
- The Secret Treaty of Dover: Charles went behind parliament’s back and made a treaty
with Catholic Louis XIV, agreeing to become a Catholic, despite knowing parliament and
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