What were the main conflicts between Crown and Parliament during the Restoration?

The main conflicts between Crown and Parliament during the Restoration were over power, finance, religion, and foreign policy.

During the Restoration period, which began in 1660 when Charles II was restored to the throne, the relationship between the Crown and Parliament was fraught with tension. One of the primary sources of conflict was the struggle for power. Parliament wanted to limit the authority of the monarch and ensure that it had a significant role in governing the country. This was a reaction to the absolute rule of Charles I, which had led to the English Civil War and his eventual execution.

Finance was another major issue. The Crown needed money to run the government and fund wars, but Parliament controlled the purse strings. Charles II and later James II often found themselves at odds with Parliament over financial matters. They needed funds for their lavish courts and military campaigns, but Parliament was reluctant to grant large sums without gaining concessions in return, such as more say in governmental affairs.

Religion also played a significant role in the conflicts. The Restoration period saw a deep divide between Anglicans, Catholics, and various Protestant dissenters. Charles II's secret Catholic sympathies and James II's open Catholicism alarmed the predominantly Protestant Parliament. This fear of Catholic influence led to the Test Acts, which aimed to exclude Catholics from public office, and eventually to the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw James II deposed in favour of the Protestant William of Orange and his wife Mary.

Foreign policy was another contentious area. Charles II's alliances with Catholic France and his involvement in wars against the Dutch were unpopular with Parliament, which favoured Protestant alliances and was wary of French power. These foreign entanglements often required significant funding, further straining the relationship between the Crown and Parliament.

In summary, the Restoration period was marked by significant conflicts between the Crown and Parliament over issues of power, finance, religion, and foreign policy, each contributing to the evolving balance of power in British governance.