Religious strife- the Test Act and the Exclusion Bill—James II and the Jacobite Risings

Religious strife- the Test Act and the Exclusion Bill— James II and the Jacobite Risings The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 under Charles II did not bring an end to England’s long-standing religious divisions. While Charles sought to maintain a degree of religious tolerance, conflicts between Anglicans, Catholics, and Protestant dissenters intensified. Key moments in this religious strife included the passage of the Test Act (1673), the Exclusion Crisis (1679–1681), the reign of James II , and the subsequent Jacobite risings after the Glorious Revolution of 1688. 1. Religious Tensions Under Charles II After the Puritan rule under Oliver Cromwell (1649–1660), England saw a resurgence of Anglicanism as the state religion. However, deep divisions persisted: Anglicans (Church of England) sought to maintain their dominance. Catholics were distrusted and often suspected of plotting against Protestant rule. Dissenters (Nonconformists) , including Presb...