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Explain what was important about the Catholic question during the reign of Charles II - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 2
Question 2
Explain what was important about the Catholic question during the reign of Charles II. [8 marks]
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain what was important about the Catholic question during the reign of Charles II - AQA - GCSE History - Question 2 - 2023 - Paper 2
Step 1
Importance of the Catholic Question and Parliamentary Relations
Answer
The Catholic question was pivotal during Charles II's reign as it highlighted the tension between the monarchy and Parliament. The king, being sympathetic to Catholicism, faced opposition from a predominantly Protestant Parliament, which feared the potential for Catholic influence, especially with the Duke of York, Charles's brother, being openly Catholic. This created a fundamental distrust that would shape political alliances and decisions during his reign.
Step 2
Impact on Policy and Legislation
Answer
The Catholic question affected legislation significantly. The Test Act of 1673 exemplified this, as it mandated that all officeholders swear allegiance to the Anglican Church, effectively excluding Catholics from positions of power. This legislation was a direct response to concerns about James, the Duke of York, and illustrated the lengths to which Parliament would go to limit Catholic influence.
Step 3
Consequences for the Monarchy
Answer
Charles II's attempts to navigate the Catholic question often led to a deterioration of his authority. His efforts to grant leniency towards Catholics, such as his support for the Declaration of Indulgence in 1672, were met with considerable backlash from Parliament, demonstrating the limits of royal power and the increasing assertiveness of parliamentary governance.
Step 4
Long-term Implications for Succession
Answer
The Catholic question also had long-term implications for succession. The ongoing fear of a Catholic monarch contributed to the political landscape that led to the Glorious Revolution in 1688, where James II, Charles's brother, was ultimately deposed due to his Catholic faith, underscoring the lasting impact of the Catholic question on English politics.