Study Hub

Study Guides

This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.

Back to Study HubBrowse Year 8 History Guides

Year 8 - History

Charles II and the restoration of the monarchy

The English Civil War: what can pamphlets tell us about 17th century politics?

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils briefly learn about the causes and conduct of the English Civil War. They then learn about Oliver Cromwell's rule and the restoration of the monarchy. Pupils finish the unit by examining how these events were represented in popular political pamphlets of the day.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain what happened during the Restoration and the reign of Charles II.

Key Notes

  • The return of King Charles II in 1660 was known as the 'Restoration'.
  • Charles II was known as the 'Merry Monarch'.
  • Charles II tried to move past divisions by working with Parliament and forgiving most people who fought for Parliament.
  • Puritan influence in England was reduced duirng the Restoration.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • exile: someone who is not allowed to live in their own country lives in exile
  • Restoration: the Restoration was the period of time after monarchy was brought back to England in 1660
  • flattery: flattery involves saying nice things to someone in order to make them feel good about themselves
  • Sabbath: the Sabbath is a day of the week that many religious groups use for prayer and rest
  • influencing: influencing involves affecting how others behave, or affecting how a situation develops

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • The Restored monarchy acted exactly the same way as it had before the Civil War

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.

The return of King Charles II in 1660 was known as the 'Restoration'. Charles II was known as the 'Merry Monarch'.

2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'exile'

someone who is not allowed to live in their own country lives in exile.

3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.

Mistake: The Restored monarchy acted exactly the same way as it had before the Civil War. Correction: Charles II made a great effort to work with Parliament more co-operatively than his father. He let Parliament sit continuously for 18 years.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 History guide library.