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The Restoration of Charles II (1660)

Study note

With the republic falling apart after Cromwell, the country turned back to monarchy. In May 1660, Parliament invited Charles II to come home from his exile in the Netherlands. He returned and was crowned King Charles II of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. This event is known as the Restoration, because the monarchy was restored after about 11 years without a king.

Charles II had learned an important lesson from his father's downfall. He understood that he would sometimes have to reach agreement with Parliament rather than simply ignore it, and in general Parliament supported the policies of his reign. The relationship between Crown and Parliament was more settled than before.

Religion was settled too. The Church of England once again became the established official Church of the country. Those outside it lost out, as both Roman Catholics and Puritans were kept away from power. For the test, remember the year 1660, that Charles II returned from the Netherlands at Parliament's invitation, and that the Church of England was restored.

Memory tip: 1660 Restoration: Charles II returns from the Netherlands; the Church of England restored.

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Question 1 of 6

In which year was the monarchy restored with Charles II becoming king?

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Show all questions and answers for The Restoration of Charles II (1660)(6 questions with explanations)

The Restoration of Charles II (1660): questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. In which year was the monarchy restored with Charles II becoming king?

    • 1688
    • 1660
    • 1649
    • 1666

    Correct answer: 1660

    The monarchy was restored in 1660 when Charles II became king.

  2. 2. From which country did Charles II return at the Restoration?

    • France
    • Scotland
    • The Netherlands
    • Spain

    Correct answer: The Netherlands

    Charles II returned from exile in the Netherlands in 1660.

  3. 3. Who invited Charles II to come back and become king?

    • The Spanish king
    • Parliament
    • The Pope
    • Oliver Cromwell

    Correct answer: Parliament

    Parliament invited Charles II to return from exile in 1660.

  4. 4. Which of these statements is correct?

    • The monarchy was restored in 1660 when Charles II became king
    • The monarchy was restored in 1649 when Charles II became king

    Correct answer: The monarchy was restored in 1660 when Charles II became king

    The Restoration was in 1660; 1649 was the year Charles I was executed.

  5. 5. At the Restoration of 1660, which church again became the established official Church?

    • Church of England
    • Church of Scotland
    • Roman Catholic Church
    • Puritan Church

    Correct answer: Church of England

    At the Restoration the Church of England again became the established Church.

  6. 6. After the Restoration, both Roman Catholics and Puritans were kept out of power.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. After 1660 both Roman Catholics and Puritans were kept out of power.

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