An Anatomy of Opposition Objectives During the Political Crisis of 1677-83

Abstract

This thesis explores the nature of the opposition to Charles II during the Political Crisis of 1677-83. The Exclusion Crisis, as it is otherwise known, was a struggle between a newly restored King and his newly restored Parliament. This battle was over whether or not James, Duke of York could and/or would be removed from the throne. This crisis was brought about by a combination of events that included Charles’ conversion to Catholicism and Titus Oates’ discovery of the Popish Plot. In late 1678 Titus Oates announced his discovery of the Popish Plot. He announced there was an international Catholic conspiracy to murder Charles II and replace him with a Catholic monarch. In this climate, people feared a Catholic invasion that would eventually end in a massacre of Protestants. The opposition aimed to prevent this by refusing to allow James to ascend to the throne. This thesis looks at the methods deployed by the opposition to prevent James from becoming king. It looks at how the battle played out in the House of Commons and also looks at the ideological background of the opposition beliefs. It also looks at the popular culture of the Exclusion Crisis and what was being widely circulated. The crisis was one of the first in which people tried to garner popular support for their cause. It looks at the types of propaganda issued by the opposition and how this affected the outcome of the crisis. Finally, it looks at the actions undertaken by the opposition during the crisis. Such as the attempts to force change and apply pressure by taking to the streets. It also looks at some of the other practical methods employed by the opposition and how effective they were.