The Restoration 1625-1798

Charles II (r. 1625-1649)

The English Civil War

• Charles I’s clashes with Parliament led

to revolt and his execution in 1649.

• The Puritan Oliver Cromwell and Parliament ruled until Cromwell’s death in 1658, but his policies had alienated much of the country.

The Restoration of the Monarchy

• Tired of the wars and contention of the past 20 years, Parliament invited Charles II back from exile In France

• Charles brought back with him a love of fashion, theater, and the arts.

More Trouble

• James II succeeded Charles II in 1685.

• A devout Catholic, James clashed with Parliament over religion.

The Glorious Revolution

• In 1688 Parliament invited Mary, the protestant

daughter of the king, and her husband, William of Orange to rule jointly.

• Charles II fled to France, no blood was shed, and there was much rejoicing.

Limiting Royal Power

• In 1689 Parliament passed a bill of rights, limiting the power of the monarchy

• In succeeding years, a cabinet of ministers led by the prime minister would gradually begin to rule England.

Social Trends

• As agricultural practices improved, towns and cities grew because less workers were needed on farms.

• Industrialization and inventions after 1750 led to growth of large factories in cities and increased wealth.

The Enlightenment--The Age of Reason

• “How” questions replaced “Why” questions about nature, the human body, and the universe.

• Most philosophers and scientists remained very religious.

• View of God changed, with Deism becoming widely accepted among intellectuals.

• Superstitions concerning natural phenomena were dispelled.

The Enlightenment--The Age of Reason

• Edmund Halley predicted the path of comets and when they would occur.

• By the end of this era progress, for many, was equated with misery.

The Enlightenment--The Age of Reason

• Some began to lose faith in man’s ability to solve every problem with reason.

• The style was witty, sophisticated, and self-conscious.

Writing of the Restoration

• There was a fondness for satire.

• Aphorisms—short statements that express a viewpoint or truth—were popular.

Samuel Johnson

• Influenced by Greek and Roman writers.

Writing of the Restoration

• Often referred to myths, gods, and heroes of ancient times.

• Writing is often called neoclassical.

Alexander Pope