Restoration England

Definition

Restoration England refers to the period in English history from 1660 to 1688 when the monarchy was re-established after the English Civil War and the subsequent Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. This era is characterized by the return of Charles II to the throne and a renewed interest in arts, culture, and literature influenced heavily by classical ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Restoration began in 1660 when Charles II returned to England after years of exile, marking a shift from republican rule back to monarchy.
2. During this time, there was a significant revival of theater and literature, with playwrights like John Dryden and Aphra Behn gaining prominence.
3. The period is known for its distinctive style of Baroque art and architecture, reflecting the influence of continental Europe on English culture.
4. Restoration England also saw important political changes, including the establishment of a constitutional monarchy as Parliament gained more power.
5. This era was marked by tension between various political factions, including Royalists who supported the king and Whigs and Tories who had differing views on governance.

Review Questions

• How did Charles II's return influence the cultural landscape of Restoration England?
  • Charles II's return brought a renewed enthusiasm for arts and culture, leading to a flourishing theater scene. His support for the arts encouraged playwrights like John Dryden and Aphra Behn to produce works that embraced both classical influences and contemporary issues. The reopening of theaters after their closure during the Puritan rule allowed for greater public engagement with literature and performance, marking a significant cultural revival in England.
• Discuss the impact of the Great Plague on society during Restoration England and how it shaped public perception of the monarchy.
  • The Great Plague of 1665 had a profound impact on society during Restoration England, leading to widespread fear and mortality. The epidemic forced Charles II to temporarily leave London, creating a disconnect between the monarchy and its subjects. The public perception of the monarchy shifted as people questioned the king's ability to protect them from such crises, ultimately influencing attitudes towards governance and health policies in subsequent years.
• Evaluate how Restoration England laid the groundwork for constitutional monarchy in Britain following the Glorious Revolution.
  • Restoration England set important precedents for constitutional monarchy through the increasing power of Parliament relative to the crown. The era witnessed debates over governance and authority that questioned absolutist rule. The events leading up to the Glorious Revolution in 1688 highlighted tensions between royal prerogative and parliamentary sovereignty, culminating in a transfer of power that solidified constitutional principles and limited monarchical power, shaping modern British governance.

Related terms

Charles II: The king of England, Scotland, and Ireland who ruled from 1660 until his death in 1685, known for his charismatic personality and efforts to restore the monarchy.

The Great Plague: A devastating epidemic that struck London in 1665, leading to widespread mortality and significantly affecting social and cultural life during Restoration England.

The Glorious Revolution: The event in 1688 that saw the overthrow of King James II and the ascension of William III and Mary II, marking the end of the Restoration period.