Part 6: Charles II - “The Merry Monarch and the Madness of Power” – 1660 - 1685 Flashcards
(8 cards)
What was the Decleration of Breda?
With Monck’s prompting, Charles Stuart produced the Declaration of Breda from Europe to appeal to those who sought stability.
Drafted by Clarendon, the declaration outlined that if he was restored, Charles would rule as a traditional monarch through parliament.
What did the Decleration of Breda specifically say?
He promised the army its pay, a pardon to all his subjects apart from a few regicides (Act of indemnity and oblivion) and even the “liberty to tender consciences” (religious freedom).
What was Charles II return like?
Charles’ return was unwritten and unconditional - he came back without any limitations (in effect) being placed upon him.
Charles agreed he would restore parliament and not punish anyone apart from the regicides and provide the freedom to practice any religion. Charles II promised that he would rule in conjunction with Parliament, ensuring that he would not attempt to govern in the same absolute manner as his father.
What was the act of indemnity and oblivion?
Act of indemnity and oblivion, 1660
All but 30 men (regicides) were forgiven for crimes during the English Civil War and subsequent Commonwealth period.
Essentially, it pardoned any previous treason against the Crown except that committed by those present at the trial of Charles I and responsible for his death.
The first person to be executed was Harrison, a leading figure in the fifth monarchist movement and a key advisor to Cromwell - as one of the men who signed Charles’ execution.
Fairfax was an example of a figure who had a lot of influence in the civil wars but granted immunity - partially because of his reservation about executing Charles and role in the restoration.
Who declared Charles II as king?
Free elections produced the Convention Parliament that assembled in April 1660. With the removal of restrictions on who could vote the elections produced a body of MPs that was more representative of the Political Nation.
On the 8th of May, the Convention Parliament declared Charles Stuart as King Charles II and he returned to London by the end of the month.
Such was the desire for a return of order that the monarchy was restored without any serious consideration of imposing constitutional limits. In its desperation the Political Nation were willing to accept Charles Stuarts’ vague promises to rule as a traditional monarch in the Declaration of Breda.
Why was Charles II’s declaration of Breda so attractive to the political nation?
Such was the desire for a return of order that the monarchy was restored without any serious consideration of imposing constitutional limits. In its desperation the Political Nation were willing to accept Charles Stuarts’ vague promises to rule as a traditional monarch in the Declaration of Breda.
Charles was restored on his general promises to rule as a traditional monarch, as outlined in the Declaration of Breda. These promises were attractive to the Political Nation as conservatives had felt increasingly alienated by and fearful of the radicalism of the last years of the Interregnum.
What were Charles goals with the restoration?
From Charles’ perspective, the priority was to secure the throne. In presenting himself as the Political Nation wanted him to, he was able to manage an unwritten political settlement that suited both sides in returning to pre - civil war norms.
Charles II presented himself exactly how he needed to - he exploited the power vacuum left in England to avoid a written constitution by appearing flexible and reasonable. His proposals were viewed as acceptable and pragmatic by those in power. This helped him successfully restore the monarchy without any serious constraints.
