The Restoration of the Monarchy
The Restoration period began with the return of Charles II to the English throne in 1660, marking the end of Puritan rule and ushering in a new era of cultural and political change.
Charles II, having spent his exile in France, brought a taste for pleasure and extravagance to the English court. This stark contrast to the austere Puritan lifestyle led to the reopening of theaters and taverns, with fashion and gossip replacing religious debates.
Highlight: The court of Charles II was devoted to pleasure, influenced by his time at the French court of Louis XIV.
However, London faced two major catastrophes during this time:
- The bubonic plague of 1665
- The Great Fire of 1666, which nearly destroyed the city
Example: The Great Fire of London led to a significant reconstruction effort, with Sir Christopher Wren's St. Paul's Cathedral being a masterpiece of this period.
The Cavalier Parliament, elected in 1661, passed several important acts:
- The Corporation Act
- The Act of Uniformity
- The Test Act
These acts primarily aimed to exclude dissenters from public offices and enforce conformity to the Church of England.
Definition: The Act of Uniformity imposed the use of the Common Prayer Book, an English prayer book in opposition to Latin prayers.
A significant development during Charles II's reign was the creation of the Royal Society in 1662. This group of philosophers, scientists, and intellectuals aimed to use reason to study reality, aligning with the emerging Enlightenment movement.
Quote: The Royal Society's motto was "Nullius in verba," meaning "Don't trust anybody's words."
When Charles II died in 1685, his brother James II succeeded him. James II's Catholic faith and attempts to place Catholics in positions of authority led to conflicts with Parliament, ultimately resulting in the Glorious Revolution.
