Characteristics of Restoration Period
Introduction
The Restoration period in England lasted from 1660 to 1688, and it was marked by a significant cultural and political upheaval. The monarchy was restored following the Puritan Commonwealth, and the nation endured a period of transition and transformation. This period was marked by a revival of the arts, theatre, and literature, and a general sense of optimism and prosperity. In this blog post, we will explore the characteristics of the Restoration period.
Political Characteristics
The Restoration period was characterised by a significant shift in the political landscape of England. The monarchy was restored, and Charles II was crowned king. The period was marked by a general sense of optimism and prosperity, and it was a time of political stability. The political characteristics of the period included the following:
The Restoration of the Monarchy: Following the Puritan Commonwealth, King Charles II returned to England in 1660, restoring the monarchy. The political landscape of England saw a substantial transformation as a result.
The Emergence of Political Parties: The Restoration period saw the emergence of the first political parties in England. The Tories and the Whigs emerged as the dominant parties, and they represented the interests of the monarchy and the aristocracy, respectively.
The Growth of the British Empire: Under the Restoration, the British Empire grew as England extended her territory and became a significant colonial power.
The Emergence of Parliamentary Democracy: We can say that there was the birth of parliamentary democracy during this period, which was marked by a greater degree of representation for the ordinary people, occurred during the Restoration period. This represented a substantial departure from the previous era’s absolutism and had a lasting impact on England’s political environment.
Social Characteristics
Trade and Commerce Growth: Throughout the Restoration period, trade and commerce flourished, and England emerged as a significant commercial power. This resulted in a pervasive feeling of wealth and confidence.
Women’s Role: During the Restoration period, a new role for women in society emerged. Women were able to participate in the arts and literature, and they had greater freedom of expression than in prior eras.
Cultural Characteristics
A tremendous cultural rebirth occurred in England during the Restoration period. The following were some of the cultural characteristics of the period:
Restoration of the Arts: During the Restoration period, writers and artists were afforded greater freedom of expression. The Baroque style, which was distinguished by its opulence and grandeur, emerged during this period.
Theater Revival: During the Restoration period, writers were allowed more latitude to explore new topics and issues. Restoration comedy emerged during this period, and it was characterised by wit, sarcasm, and sexual innuendo.
The Emergence of Literature: A new literary style emerged during the Restoration period, defined by realism and an emphasis on the person. Great authors like John Dryden, Samuel Pepys, and Aphra Behn emerged during this period.
Religious Characteristics
The Restoration of the Anglican Church: With the return of the monarchy, the Anglican Church was restored as the official church of England. This led to a resurgence of traditional religious practices and a renewed interest in Anglican theology.
The Role of Dissenting Religions: Despite the restoration of the Anglican Church, there were still dissenting religious groups within the country. These groups included the Quakers, Baptists, and Presbyterians. They were not always tolerated, and many suffered persecution for their beliefs.
The Legacy of the Civil War: The Civil War had a lasting impact on the religious landscape of England. It created deep divisions within the country, and these divisions were not easily overcome. The Restoration period saw an attempt to heal these divisions, but they continued to be felt for many years to come.
Philosophical Characteristics
A substantial philosophical shift occurred during the Restoration period. The Puritan Commonwealth’s rigid moral and religious norms were rejected, and individualism and secularism were rediscovered. The following were some of the period’s philosophical characteristics:
The Rise of Individualism: The Restoration period saw a renewed interest in individualism. Instead of rigorous moral and religious norms, this was defined by a focus on the individual and their experiences.
The Emergence of Secularism: The Restoration period saw the emergence of secularism, which was characterized by a separation of church and state. This led to a greater emphasis on reason and empirical evidence, and a rejection of strict religious doctrine.
The Influence of Enlightenment Thinking: The Restoration period was influenced by the ideas of the Enlightenment. These ideas were characterized by a belief in reason, science, and progress. They had a significant impact on the philosophical landscape of England, and their influence can still be felt today.
Literary Characteristics
One of the most notable characteristics of the Restoration period was the flowering of literature, drama, and poetry. This period saw the emergence of many famous writers and playwrights, including John Dryden, William Congreve, and Aphra Behn. The literary characteristics of the period included the following:
The Emergence of the Novel: The Restoration period saw the emergence of the novel as a popular literary form. This was characterized by a shift away from the epic poems and plays of the previous era, and a renewed interest in the everyday experiences of ordinary people.
The Impact of French Literature: French literature, which was considered sophisticated and fashionable at the time, had a significant influence on the Restoration period. Several English authors and playwrights attempted to imitate the style and subject matter of French literature.
The Satirical Tradition: The Restoration period was marked by a strong satirical tradition. Satire was used to criticize social and political norms, and it often took the form of comedy or burlesque. Satirical writing was popular among writers such as Jonathan Swift, who used it to criticize the excesses of the period.
Conclusion
The Restoration period was important in English history. The monarchy was restored, and England began a period of transition and transformation, which was distinguished by a tremendous cultural and political revolution. The period was characterised by a renaissance in the arts, theatre, and literature, as well as an overall feeling of affluence and optimism. Great cultural and social development occurred during the Restoration period, and its effects can still be felt today.
