Restoration

When was Charles II Restored?

1660

What problems existed in England before the Restoration?

Strong army, weak church, conflict between army and Parliament, fear of civil war, demand for stability, weak leadership under Richard Cromwell

Why did Richard Cromwell resign?

He was a weak leader and could not control the army or Parliament

Who was General Monck?

A powerful general who helped restore Charles II by supporting Parliament and organising the return of the monarchy

What was promised in the Declaration of Breda?

Listen to Parliament, grant peace, no punishment for most Civil War enemies, religious toleration, pay the army

What was the purpose of the Act of Indemnity?

To pardon most people involved in the Civil War except those directly responsible for Charles I’s execution

Why was the army a problem for Charles II?

It was expensive, owed wages, politically powerful, and could potentially overthrow the king

How was the army problem solved?

Paid off soldiers, gave jobs, removed troublemakers, and protected them with the Act of Indemnity

What was the Clarendon Code?

A set of laws enforcing Anglicanism and restricting dissenters

What did the Act of Uniformity (1662) do?

Required all churches to use the Book of Common Prayer

What did the Conventicle Act do?

Banned religious meetings outside the Church of England

What did the Five Mile Act do?

Prevented non-Anglican ministers from preaching within 5 miles of their parish

How did Charles II raise money after the Restoration?

Poll tax, taxes on alcohol, land tax (1661), hearth tax (1662)

Describe Charles II’s relationship with Parliament (1660–1663)

Cooperative; Cavalier Parliament supported him but opposed religious toleration

Why did Parliament oppose religious toleration?

They wanted to strengthen the Anglican Church and limit dissenters and Catholics

What was the Triennial Act?

Law to ensure Parliament met regularly (every 3 years)

Why did relations worsen during the Dutch wars?

War failures, financial demands, and distrust led Parliament to challenge Charles

What was the Cabal?

A group of five advisors who influenced Charles II’s policies

What was the Treaty of Dover (1670)?

A secret agreement with France giving Charles money in return for supporting France and favouring Catholicism

Why was the Test Act (1673) important?

It forced public officials to prove they were Anglican, excluding Catholics from office

What caused the Exclusion Crisis?

Fear of James (a Catholic) becoming king

Who were the Whigs?

Supported exclusion of James and religious toleration

Who were the Tories?

Supported the monarchy and Anglican Church, wanted James as king

Why did Charles rule without Parliament after 1681?

He had money from France and wanted to avoid opposition

What was the Popish Plot?

A fake Catholic conspiracy by Titus Oates to kill the king, causing widespread panic

What was the Rye House Plot (1683)?

An alleged plan to assassinate Charles II and James, used to crush opposition

What was patronage?

The granting of jobs, money, or favour by the king to gain support

Why was the royal court important?

It was the centre of politics, influence, and access to the king

What was the Great Plague (1665)?

A deadly disease killing about 25% of London’s population

How did people respond to the plague?

Quarantine, pest houses, prayers, burning herbs, clearing rubbish

What were the short-term effects of the plague?

Trade collapsed, population fell, government disrupted

What were the long-term effects of the plague?

Population and economy recovered, improved public health records

What caused the Great Fire of London (1666)?

Wooden buildings, narrow streets, lack of fire services

What were the effects of the Great Fire?

Rebuilding with safer materials, new city design, improved fire regulations

Who was Christopher Wren?

Architect who rebuilt London, including St Paul’s Cathedral

What was Restoration theatre like?

Popular, focused on comedy and tragedy, supported by the king

What was the role of women in Restoration England?

Mostly domestic, but some had roles in business, politics, and theatre

What were coffee houses?

Places for business, discussion, and exchange of ideas

What was the Royal Society?

A scientific group founded in 1662 to promote scientific discovery

What was mercantilism?

The belief that countries compete for wealth and must control trade

What were the Navigation Acts?

Laws restricting foreign trade to benefit England

Why did England fight the Dutch?

Trade rivalry and competition for global dominance

What was the Second Dutch War?

A conflict caused by trade rivalry; initially successful but ended badly for England

Why did England struggle in the Dutch wars?

Poor leadership, lack of resources, weak coordination, Dutch advantages

What was the importance of colonies?

Provided raw materials and markets for trade

What was the role of the East India Company?

Controlled trade in India, had power to govern and raise armies

Why did Tangier fail as a colony?

Too expensive to defend, constant attacks, little economic benefit

What was the triangular trade?

Trade between Europe, Africa, and the Americas including enslaved people

Who were dissenters?

Protestants who did not follow the Church of England

What was toleration?

Allowing different religious groups to worship freely

Why did Charles want toleration?

Personal beliefs and political alliances (especially with France)

What was the Convention Parliament?

The Parliament that arranged Charles II’s return in 1660

Why was it called the Cavalier Parliament?

Because it supported the king (royalist)

What did CABAL stand for?

Clifford, Arlington, Buckingham, Ashley (Shaftesbury), Lauderdale

What did Charles do to control towns after 1681?

Changed town charters to ensure loyal supporters were elected

Who was Captain Henry Morgan?

A privateer who attacked Spanish colonies in the Caribbean

What were exotic goods?

Sugar, tobacco, coffee, tea, cotton

Why were privateers important?

They weakened enemy trade and supported England’s economy