The Restoration and the 18th Century

Why was the reign of Charles II known as the Restoration?

• A Parliament passed laws that restored and increased the power of the monarchy.

• B Charles II restored Roman Catholicism as the state religion of England.

• C Peaceful relations between the English and French courts were restored.

• D The Commonwealth ended and the Stuart monarchy was restored.

Which factor contributed most to the development of rival political parties in England?

• F Disagreements over how Charles II handled the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London

• G Differing ideas about how much authority the monarchy should have

• H Conflicts between Catholics and Protestants about the appointment of a prime minister

• J Opposing views of the use of reason in society

Which best represents how an Enlightenment philosopher would have viewed the Great Plague of 1665?

• A “The Great Plague is a natural event that can be explained through the use of reason.”

• B “The Great Plague is a sign that God is displeased with the English people for returning to Anglicanism.”

• C “The inability of the king to prevent the Great Plague shows the limits of absolute monarchy.”

• D “The devastation caused by the Great Plague indicates a need for the English Bill of Rights.”