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The Merry AND Absolute Monarch Known as Charles II

Annette Willman
Hon. History / Period 6
Mrs. Mosquera
April 25, 2003

TABSPACE“…It can no way be doubted but that his Majesty's right and title to his crowns and kingdoms is and was every way completed by the death of his royal father of glorious memory…” This quote is from “The Restoration of the Stuart Family to the Throne;” written by the parliament on page three. It lets the reader know that Charles II really does deserve to be king and take the place of his father. His father was an absolute monarch. In addition, Charles II was an absolute monarch for many reasons, too. He had so much power and so much say in what was happening in his kingdom. That, to me, is what an absolute monarch is. He had the power to go to war whenever he wanted; he could ally with whatever nation he wanted, and when he had a decision everyone had to comply. When he finally got rid of Parliament; that is when he truly turned into an absolute monarch. He had even more power and he used it well so his nation listened to him.

TABSPACECharles II had lots of military power. The nation and army followed him whenever he made military or foreign-based decisions. One example was when he wanted to go to war with the Dutch. Therefore, his nation went to war. They did not win, but his nation still stood by his decision. Another example was that he could become allies with whomever he wanted to. Charles II allied his nation with Holland and Sweden. In addition, France became an ally without the Parliaments knowledge, because that is what Charles II wanted to do. Charles II was not a full absolute monarch yet, but he was showing signs of starting to work alone. The treaty with France lasted for a long while, too. Also, when he made the decisions to help fund the Royal Society and to help rebuild buildings, no body questioned him. He did what he wanted to do; since he had full power.

TABSPACEWhen Charles II first came to power, they made him say that he would not be an absolute monarch, like his father. He had to say this so the Parliament could restore the monarchy. He did not do this for himself; he did it for his people. They wanted a monarchy again. They were happy. Finally, Parliament abolished the Commonwealth way of ruling and brought back the monarchy. However, the Parliament always disagreed with Charles II and made him change things to please them. A normal monarch would have just listened to them. Nevertheless, Charles II was not a normal monarch. He was an absolute monarch and after years of being pushed around by the Parliament, he finally “dissolved” them. He broke the Parliament up until it was finally him just ruling. A weak, semi-powerful monarch would have never been able to do that. Charles II was strong and independent; he had finally brought back absolute monarchy to the throne.

TABSPACEAfter he became an absolute monarch, he still kept all his power. Some groups, like the Whig Party wanted to rebel against his ideas; and make him rule as they wanted him to. Maybe they would have convinced a feeble king or weak monarch. However, Charles II was not convinced. That must mean he really was an absolute monarch. The Whigs did not want his brother to claim the throne after Charles died. Nevertheless, it did not matter what they thought, it was Charles’ choice and his brother did succeed him.

TABSPACEAnother quote from “The Restoration of the Stuart Family to the Throne;” written by the parliament on page three, supports the idea of Charles II being an absolute monarch. “The imperial crown of the realm of England, and of all the kingdoms, dominions and rights belonging to the same, did by inheritance, birthright and lawful and undoubted succession descend and come to his most excellent Majesty Charles the Second.” Nowhere did they mention the Parliament or anyone else Charles had to listen to. Therefore, Charles II was an absolute monarch. He was very powerful and his people listened to him. He got rid of his Parliament despite the problems they caused. Moreover, he kept all his power until he died and did not let anyone mess with his monarchy.