Question 1: Explain the main reasons why King Charles II was invited to return to England in 1660. Include at least two reasons in your answer.

Answer: King Charles II was invited back because the monarchy had been overthrown in 1649, and many people wanted stability and the end of Puritan rule. Additionally, the country was divided, and some landowners and political groups believed a monarchy could restore order and protect their interests.

Question 2: Describe what the term 'Cavalier Parliament' refers to and explain its significance during the Restoration period.

Answer: The Cavalier Parliament was the English Parliament elected in 1661 that was largely supportive of King Charles II. It was significant because it passed laws that restored royal authority and supported the king's policies after the Civil War and Interregnum.

Question 3: Identify and explain two ways in which the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament changed during Charles II’s reign.

Answer: Firstly, the monarchy regained more power as Charles II dissolved Parliament when it opposed him, showing his strength. Secondly, the Clarendon Code laws limited the power of non-Anglican groups, reinforcing royal authority over religious and political matters.

Question 4: Discuss the impact of the Great Fire of London in 1666 on the city’s rebuilding and development.

Answer: The Great Fire destroyed much of central London, prompting a major rebuilding effort. This led to new building regulations, wider streets, and the use of more fire-resistant materials, shaping the city’s future layout.

Question 5: Describe the main features of the Test Act of 1673 and its purpose.

Answer: The Test Act required all government officials to swear allegiance to the Church of England and deny Catholic doctrines. Its purpose was to prevent Catholics from holding public office and to secure Anglican dominance.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram to illustrate the political structure of England during the Restoration, including the roles of the King, Parliament, and the courts.

Answer: A correct sketch would show the King at the top, with arrows pointing to Parliament and the courts, indicating the monarch’s influence over both. Parliament should be depicted as a separate body with two chambers (Lords and Commons), and the courts as a judicial branch below.

Question 7: Explain the significance of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 and its effect on the monarchy.

Answer: The Glorious Revolution was a peaceful overthrow of King James II, replaced by William and Mary. It resulted in the constitutional monarchy, limiting royal power and establishing parliamentary sovereignty through the Bill of Rights.

Question 8: Identify one major religious change that occurred during the Restoration and describe its impact.

Answer: The Act of Uniformity 1662 enforced the use of the Book of Common Prayer, strengthening Anglicanism and suppressing nonconformist religions, leading to religious conformity and some dissent.

Question 9: Describe how the arts and culture changed during the Restoration period, providing at least one example.

Answer: The Restoration period saw a revival of theatre and arts, with the reopening of theatres and the emergence of Restoration comedy. An example is the work of playwright William Wycherley, whose plays were known for their wit and satire.

Question 10: Evaluate the extent to which the Restoration period was a time of stability or change in England.

Answer: The Restoration was a time of significant political and social change, marked by the re-establishment of the monarchy, religious tensions, and evolving constitutional laws. While it restored stability after chaos, it also introduced new conflicts and reforms, making it a complex period of both stability and change.