Restoration England, 1660-1685

    AQA
    GCSE

    This study analyses the restoration of the Stuart monarchy under Charles II, examining the fragility of the 1660 Settlement and the persistent tensions between Crown and Parliament. Candidates must evaluate the failure to resolve fundamental constitutional and religious divisions inherited from the Civil Wars, culminating in the emergence of the 'First Party System' (Whigs and Tories) during the Exclusion Crisis. Focus lies on the interplay between Charles II's pragmatic political maneuvering, the fear of Catholic absolutism (Popery and Arbitrary Government), and the enforcement of Anglican uniformity.

    0
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks in 'How convincing' questions (AO4) for applying specific contextual knowledge to validate or challenge the author's view, not just summarizing the text.
    • Credit 'Write an account' responses (AO1/AO2) that demonstrate sequencing and causation (e.g., how the Great Fire led to specific architectural reforms), rather than simple description.
    • In the Historic Environment question, candidates must explicitly link physical features of the site to the social or political context of the Restoration period.
    • For 'Explain' questions, award Level 4 only to responses that analyze the relative importance or complexity of factors (e.g., why the Exclusion Crisis was a greater threat than the Popish Plot).

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have described the event well; now explain *why* it led to the next event to secure AO2 marks."
    • "In the interpretation question, do not discuss the author's bias. Focus entirely on whether their claims match your historical knowledge."
    • "Specific evidence needed: replace 'strict laws' with 'The Act of Uniformity'."
    • "Your judgment on the Historic Environment is clear, but you need to reference specific physical features of the site to support it."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks in 'How convincing' questions (AO4) for applying specific contextual knowledge to validate or challenge the author's view, not just summarizing the text.
    • Credit 'Write an account' responses (AO1/AO2) that demonstrate sequencing and causation (e.g., how the Great Fire led to specific architectural reforms), rather than simple description.
    • In the Historic Environment question, candidates must explicitly link physical features of the site to the social or political context of the Restoration period.
    • For 'Explain' questions, award Level 4 only to responses that analyze the relative importance or complexity of factors (e.g., why the Exclusion Crisis was a greater threat than the Popish Plot).

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡For Q1 (Interpretation), identify the author's main argument immediately and select two specific facts from your own knowledge to support or challenge that argument.
    • 💡In Q3 ('Write an account'), use linking phrases like 'Consequently', 'As a result', and 'This led to' to ensure you are credited for analysis, not just storytelling.
    • 💡Allocate 20-25 minutes for the final 16-mark Historic Environment question; it carries the most weight and requires a sustained argument.
    • 💡Memorize specific details of the Royal Society's motto ('Nullius in verba') and methods to evidence the shift toward scientific empiricism.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Confusing the specific terms of the Clarendon Code (Corporation Act, Act of Uniformity) with general religious persecution.
    • Treating the 'Merry Monarch' image as absolute fact rather than analyzing it as a reaction to Puritanism or a political tool.
    • In 'How convincing' questions, evaluating the 'utility' or 'reliability' of the interpretation (provenance) rather than the accuracy of its content.
    • Failing to link the Historic Environment site to the specific question focus, resulting in a generic description of the building.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    How convincing
    Explain
    Write an account
    How far do you agree
    Evaluate
    Describe

    Ready to test yourself?

    Practice questions tailored to this topic