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Popish Plot

A fictitious conspiracy in 1678 alleging a Jesuit plan to assassinate King Charles II and install James, a Catholic, as the new monarch, leading to anti-Catholic hysteria in England.

Titus Oates

An Anglican chaplain who fabricated the Popish Plot, accusing Jesuits of planning to kill the King, contributing to the Exclusion Crisis of 1678-81.

Exclusion Crisis

A political emergency in 1678-81 aiming to exclude James, a Catholic, from the line of succession, fueled by fears of a Catholic dynasty and the impact of the Popish Plot.

Whig-Tory split

A division in English politics in 1679 between Whigs (supporting Exclusion) and Tories (supporting the Stuart Kings), leading to significant political tensions and the fall of Danby.

Habeas Corpus Amendment Act

Legislation reinforcing the right to a prompt trial or release from imprisonment, passed during the First Exclusion Parliament in 1679 to address concerns about arbitrary detention.

James's Leadership in Scotland

James strengthened his position by suppressing religious disturbances in Scotland, particularly against radical Presbyterians, which led to a declaration by the Scottish Assembly that he would become King of Scotland upon his brother's death.

Shaftesbury's Errors

Shaftesbury's desperate actions included falsely claiming a Catholic plot in Ireland, attempting to bring charges of recusancy against James, and accusing one of the King's mistresses of prostitution, which further solidified Charles's determination against the Exclusionists.

Second Exclusion Parliament

The Second Exclusion Parliament in October 1680 saw another Exclusion Bill passing through the Commons but being rejected by the Lords, with Charles's personal presence during the hearing supporting his brother's succession and George Savile proposing a compromise for James to inherit as a limited Catholic monarch.

Oxford (Third Exclusion) Parliament

Charles strategically moved the Oxford Parliament to a loyalist stronghold, signed a treaty with France to avoid summoning Parliament for three years, and proposed a regency for James's Protestant daughter Mary and her husband William, dividing his Exclusionist opponents.

Tory Reaction

The period 1681-85, known as the 'Tory Reaction,' marked the support of the Anglican interest by Charles II, marginalizing Exclusion supporters through measures like removal from office, enforcement of the Clarendon Code, and the Quo Warranto campaign to ensure Tory dominance.