The Interregnum, The
Restoration, Glorious
Revolution
1649-1688
The Interregnum 1649-1660
Time between two monarchial periods
 Military Dictatorship under Cromwell

–
–
–
–
–
Lord Protector
Ruled with 12 major generals – one for each district
Ignored the Instrument of Government
Dissolved the Rump Parliament
Religious tolerance for all but Roman Catholics
 Ruthlessly instituted this in Ireland
– State control of press, forbade sports, theaters closed
The Restoration

Charles II 1660-1685
– Early acts of Long Parliament reinstated
– He worked well with Parliament
– The early Cabinet System: “Cabal”

Two Problems remain:
1. Still need to resolve religious issue: Puritans
and Catholics
2. What is the official relationship between
King and Parliament?
James II
A Catholic!!
 Ignores the Test Act and appoints
Catholics to position of government
 1688 produces a male heir
 Declares religious freedom for all
 English fear – a Catholic Dynasty – coming
true

Glorious Revolution
English throne offered to James’
Protestant daughter, Mary, and her Dutch
husband, William of Orange
 James II and family fled to France

– Destruction of divine-right monarchy
– Sovereignty divided between king &
Parliament
– King rules with the consent of the governed
– Bill of Rights