How accurate is it to say that non-conformity was a greater threat to the monarchy than the fear of Catholicism, 1660-1688?

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

• Fear of catholicism - originated from excommunication of Elizabeth I in 1570, Gunpowder Plot in 1605, 30 Years’ War from 1618-48 - therefore, a belief that if they were given any power they would press for toleration and demand equality - would lead to destruction of Protestantism

Question 2

P1 - non-conformity was a greater threat

Answer 2

• ## Core of separatism lay in 3 groups - Quakers, Congregationalists, Baptists

Question 3

P2 - non-conformity was a lesser threat

Answer 3

• Persecution against non-conformists by Charles II
• Quakers suffered the most - and were largest dissenting religious sect - many radical groups had joined the Quakers levellers, diggers, etc.
• Quaker Act 1662 - allowed them to be arrested and tendered the Oath of Allegiance - many were imprisoned without charge for indefinite periods
• Quaker leaders - effectively removed, imprisoned or worse - between 1661 and 64 - George Fox - kept in chains in single chamber in one of the guard towers

Question 4

P3 - fear of Catholicism was a greater threat (CHARLES II)

Answer 4

• Post-Restoration - signs of a renewed concern among some in other court and country factions - 1666 - Great Fire (sparked rumours of Catholics agents at work)
• Louis XIV - growing in power - fed a growing awareness in England that Catholic France was now a greater threat to English and Protestant independence
• Duke of York - James converted to Catholicism - public knowledge by 1669 - might well produce Catholic son - which worries Anglican establishment
• Clarendon replaced - by group of courtiers who included known Catholics, Clifford and Arlington
• Charles II - commitment to French alliance - Treaty of Dover 1670
• 1672 - Declaration of Indulgence - produced hostile reactions in parliament and across Anglican establishment

Threat to monarchy - because Whigs appealed to Protestant majority - the Tories, who stood for Church and king, increasingly tainted by association w/ Catholic absolutism

• Popish Plot - which started in 1678

Question 5

P4 - fear of Catholicism was a greater threat (JAMES II)

Answer 5

• James II’s policies + choice of advisers + attempted control over parliament
• Declarations of Indulgence - 1687 - allowed Catholics and dissenters to worship freely

Question 6

P5 - fear of Catholicism was a lesser threat

Answer 6

• After Rye House Plot - gave Charles II opportunity to focus on public fears of dissent and away from Catholics