Revision:Restoration of the Monarchy in England

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Why was the Monarchy restored?

Underlying Belief in Monarchy:

o Historically speaking, England had always been ruled by a monarch.

o During the protectorate of Oliver Cromwell, he was offered the crown of England, Ireland and Scotland in the “Humble Petition and Advice” of 1657. After much deliberation, Cromwell refused the title of King but accepted the compromised role of “Lord Protector”. He retained all of the powers of a King, lived in former royal palaces, could call and dissolve Parliament and retained the power of Veto. Furthermore, he could nominate his own successor – much like a rightful king.

o This period was peaceful, and had Richard Cromwell been more suited to the role; the Republic would have been secure – this showed that England was suited to a government with a monarchical figure at its head.

Need for an Authoritarian figure to restore Law and Order:

In late 1659, there was a significant breakdown of law and order... o The public refused to acknowledge the legitimacy of the Committee of Safety and refused to pay tax to what they saw as an illegal government. o Public debt was over £2 million; causing civil unrest.

o The army was becoming demoralised – they still had not been paid and there were splits beginning to show between the senior and junior army officers.

o There was an upsurge in radical political activity – levellers began distributing pamphlets once again.

o Apprentice riots broke out in the city of London – the Committee was unable to sort this out as the army would not co-operate; thus the ruling body was useless.

o The middle and upper classes became terrified of the breakdown in law and order – fearing another Civil War.

o A strong character was needed to quash the significant unrest and pacify the fears of the people. They needed to be disassociated with the Rump (who the public was fed up with) and seen as the right person for the job. However, it did not necessarily have to be Charles.

Skills of George Monck:

o Presented himself as “moderate” and a “man of the people”.

o Had the trust and support of the army – could bring it under control as he caused Lambert’s troops to dissolve away. Was Commander of Scottish troops.

o Stayed away from royalists, so his support was hidden. Could also negotiated with the Republicans in the restored Long Parliament effectively.

o Was underrated by his contemporaries: he was really a skilled and shrewd politician. Not as stupid as they believed.

o Negotiated with Edward Hyde and Charles II in secret. Did not let anyone know of his motives or intention to bring about a Restoration.

o Used his troops to restore law and order in the city.

o Forced the crumbling Rump to restore the excluded members from “Prides Purge” – thus the Parliament denied its own legitimacy and made the “Experiment” illegal. The people had already lost patience with the regime and disapproved of the Rump. The same problems re-emerged as had occurred during its last assembly. Furthermore, the Rump purged itself, damaging its integrity even more.

o The restoration of excluded members brought a Royalist majority into the Parliament, which then voted for its own dissolution.

Willingness of Charles to compromise & the Declaration of Breda:

o Charles presented himself as a man willing to compromise – it was essential he showed he was different to his father and would rule with Parliament.

o The Declaration was issued to try to show to the unconvinced members of Parliament that restoration was the way to bring peace to England.

o Issued: to overcome difficulties, heal the wounds of the country cause by Civil Wars and Republican repression; pacify any worries held by the people. It was also to quell the civil unrest and reduce the chances of another Civil War.

o Issued from Breda in the Netherlands (Protestant area) – helped to reassure the people that Charles wasn’t hoping to bring Catholicism back into Britain.

o Drawn up by Charles, Edward Hyde, James Butler (Marquis of Ormond) and Sir Edward Nicholas.

o He offered a free parliament – the people were desperate for free elections.

o Left the land issue and payment of army arrears to be decided to parliament, showing his willingness to co-operate (showed he was unlike his father).

Key Phrases: - “Put us into a quiet and peaceable possession/With as little blood and damage to our people as possible” (Showed he aimed to restore peace)

- “A free and general pardon” (To assure former Parliamentarians they would not be persecuted if Charles returned).

- “A libearty to tender consciences” (Installed hope within the non-confomrists that they would receive toleration).

--Choccielatte 18:50, 1 June 2009 (BST)