HIST 383 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Torys, Triennial Acts, Exclusion Crisis
Document Summary
Charles ii did not waste time in overthrowing the puritanical court. He ruled until 1685 and was politically skilled, he navigated the difficult waters of this period and managed to keep his head and his throne. He established the court that became known for hedonism. He had many mistresses and illegitimate children, but no children with his actual wife. One of his sons became the duke of monmouth. One of his mistresses was barbara villiers, duchess of cleveland and had five children with her. Although his reign was not puritanical, it was viewed with relief and brought an end to a long period of warfare. There were significant points of tension, he spent a lot of money. Had a large budget and didn"t have access to the money to cover it so he was forced to ask parliament. He wanted britain to have a large overseas empire and this involved war with the dutch republic.
