The Restoration of the Monarchy
The Restoration marked the return of monarchy to England in 1660 with Charles II ascending the throne. After spending his exile in France, Charles II established a court known for its devotion to pleasure, reopening theatres and racecourses. He also patronized the Royal Society, an association of scientists and intellectuals with the motto "Nullius in verba" (Take nobody's word for it).
Highlight: The Royal Society's motto emphasized the importance of empirical evidence over mere words, reflecting the growing scientific mindset of the era.
During Charles II's reign, two significant tragedies struck England:
- In 1665, a devastating outbreak of bubonic plague occurred.
- In 1666, the Great Fire of London burned for five days, destroying nine-tenths of the city.
Example: The reconstruction of London after the Great Fire was entrusted to architect Sir Christopher Wren, who designed St. Paul's Cathedral with financial aid from France.
In 1670, Charles II signed the Treaty of Dover, which included a secret agreement to restore Catholicism in Britain with French military aid. After Charles II's death, his Catholic brother James became king, setting the stage for religious tensions.
Vocabulary: Interregnum - The period between the execution of Charles I and the restoration of the monarchy, during which England was ruled as a republic.
The Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution of 1688-89 was a pivotal moment in Restoration England. James II's Catholic leanings and the birth of a Catholic heir prompted Parliament to negotiate with William of Orange, husband of James's Protestant daughter Mary.
Definition: The Glorious Revolution refers to the peaceful overthrow of James II and the establishment of a Protestant monarchy under William and Mary.
In 1689, William and Mary ascended to the throne as joint monarchs. This revolution is known as "Bloodless" or "Glorious" due to its success without significant fighting.
Highlight: The Bill of Rights (1689) reaffirmed freedoms stated in the Magna Carta and limited the monarch's power in favor of Parliament.
The Act of Settlement in 1701 further solidified Protestant succession by excluding Catholics from the throne.
