Restoration England, 1660–1685

Overview:
The period from 1660 to 1685 is known as the Restoration because it marks the return of the monarchy under Charles II after the end of the Commonwealth and Protectorate under Oliver Cromwell. This era was characterized by the challenges of rebuilding the monarchy, religious tensions, political instability, and significant cultural changes. Charles II's reign (1660–1685) helped restore the traditional authority of the monarchy, but it also set the stage for later political struggles that would lead to the Glorious Revolution in 1688.

1. The Restoration of Charles II (1660)

Key Themes:

• The End of the Interregnum: The fall of the Commonwealth and the death of Oliver Cromwell led to the return of monarchy under Charles II.

• Charles II’s Return: Charles II was invited back to England after the collapse of the Protectorate, marking the Restoration of the monarchy.

Key Figures:

• Charles II: The King who was restored to the throne in 1660, after spending years in exile during the English Civil War.

• Cromwell’s Death: Oliver Cromwell died in 1658, and his son Richard Cromwell failed to hold onto power, leading to political instability.

Key Events:

• The Declaration of Breda (1660): A proclamation by Charles II, outlining promises of religious tolerance, amnesty, and the restoration of land taken from Royalists during the Civil War.

• The Restoration of the Monarchy (1660): Charles II was formally restored to the throne on May 29, 1660, marking the end of the Interregnum and the return of royal rule.

2. Religious Tensions and the Church of England

Key Themes:

• Religious Conflict: The Restoration period saw continued religious conflict between Anglicans, Catholics, and Nonconformists (Protestants who were not part of the Church of England).

• The Church of England: Charles II attempted to balance the demands of different religious factions, but his policies often led to tensions.

Key Figures:

• Charles II: Although personally sympathetic to Catholicism, Charles was politically astute and sought to maintain religious stability by supporting the Church of England.

• Clarendon Code: A series of laws aimed at suppressing Nonconformists and reinforcing the authority of the Church of England.

Key Events:

• The Act of Uniformity (1662): This act reinstated the Book of Common Prayer and required ministers to conform to the practices of the Church of England, leading to the exclusion of many Puritans from public office and religious services.

• The Conventicle Act (1664): Aimed at suppressing religious meetings of Nonconformists, this act prohibited private religious gatherings outside of the Church of England.

• The Five Mile Act (1665): Restricted Nonconformist ministers from living within five miles of towns and cities, further suppressing dissent.

3. Political Developments and the Cavalier Parliament (1660–1679)

Key Themes:

• The Role of Parliament: The Cavalier Parliament (1660–1679) was dominated by Royalists, who sought to restore the pre-Civil War status quo, including the monarchy’s power and the privileges of the aristocracy.

• Political Instability: Despite the Restoration, political and social tensions remained. Charles II’s rule was marked by growing opposition to royal power and increasing calls for constitutional reform.

Key Figures:

• Charles II: As King, Charles struggled to balance his desire for royal prerogative with the growing influence of Parliament.

• Clarendon: Edward Hyde, Lord Clarendon, was Charles II's chief advisor and played a key role in shaping the political landscape of the Restoration.

• Whigs and Tories: The emergence of political factions – the Whigs, who supported parliamentary power, and the Tories, who supported the monarchy.

Key Events:

• The Clarendon Code: A series of laws passed by the Cavalier Parliament to strengthen the Church of England and suppress dissenting religious groups.

• The Popish Plot (1678): A fabricated conspiracy that inflamed anti-Catholic sentiment and led to the rise of the Whigs, who supported restricting the power of the monarchy.

4. The Great Plague and the Great Fire of London (1665–1666)

Key Themes:

• Disasters and Social Strain: The Great Plague and the Great Fire of London were major events that tested the resilience of Restoration England and had significant social and political implications.

• Rebuilding and Recovery: These disasters prompted efforts to rebuild and modernize London.

Key Figures:

• Charles II: King during the outbreaks, Charles played a role in the response to the plague and the aftermath of the fire.

• Sir Christopher Wren: The architect who oversaw the rebuilding of London after the Great Fire, including the design of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Key Events:

• The Great Plague (1665): A devastating outbreak of the bubonic plague that killed around 100,000 people in London.

• The Great Fire of London (1666): A catastrophic fire that destroyed much of the city, including 87 churches and thousands of homes, prompting large-scale rebuilding efforts.

5. The Anglo-Dutch Wars (1652–1674)

Key Themes:

• Naval Rivalry: The period of the Restoration saw ongoing naval warfare between England and the Netherlands, with both nations competing for supremacy in global trade and maritime power.

• Expansion of British Naval Power: Charles II’s reign saw significant investment in England's navy, which helped establish England as a global maritime power.

Key Figures:

• Charles II: Charles was an advocate for naval expansion and played a role in shaping England's policy toward the Dutch.

• Admiral Robert Blake: An important figure in the early Anglo-Dutch Wars and a hero of the Commonwealth period, he continued to influence naval strategies during the Restoration.

Key Events:

• The First Anglo-Dutch War (1652–1654): Fought during the Commonwealth period, the conflict continued into the Restoration as part of the struggle for dominance over trade routes.

• The Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665–1667): A key conflict that saw England achieve some success but also experience serious losses, leading to the Treaty of Breda in 1667.

• The Third Anglo-Dutch War (1672–1674): Another naval conflict that ended inconclusively, but it further cemented England’s position as a maritime power.

6. The Decline of Charles II's Rule and the Rise of James II (1680s)

Key Themes:

• Declining Popularity: Charles II’s reign began to decline in the 1680s due to rising opposition to his policies and the growing influence of Catholicism at court.

• The Succession Crisis: Charles II’s lack of an heir and his perceived Catholic sympathies led to increasing tensions over the throne and England’s future direction.

Key Figures:

• Charles II: His final years were marked by political turmoil and the rise of James II, his Catholic brother, as his heir.

• James II: Charles II's brother, who succeeded him in 1685, bringing with him a Catholic agenda that would eventually lead to conflict with Parliament.

Key Events:

• The Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681): A political conflict in Parliament aimed at preventing James II from succeeding to the throne due to his Catholicism.

• The Death of Charles II (1685): The death of Charles II led to the ascension of James II, whose Catholic sympathies would lead to further instability.

7. Revision Resources

• Revision Notes: Summarized notes covering key events, people, and themes of the Restoration period.

• Timelines: Interactive timelines of key events such as the Restoration of the Monarchy, Anglo-Dutch Wars, and The Great Plague.

• Flashcards: Key figures, terms, and concepts such as Charles II, Clarendon Code, Whigs and Tories, and The Popish Plot.

• Video Resources: Educational videos on key topics such as the Restoration of the Monarchy, Charles II, and the Anglo-Dutch Wars.

8. Exam Tips

• Essay Questions: Practice answering key questions such as:

  • "To what extent did Charles II restore stability to England?"

  • "How significant was the Great Plague in shaping Restoration England?"

  • "How did the Anglo-Dutch Wars impact England’s position in the world?"

• Source Analysis: Learn how to approach primary sources like letters, speeches, and pamphlets from the Restoration period.

• Exam Strategy: Focus on understanding the broader context of the Restoration period and its social, political, and religious implications when answering essay questions.