The Argumentation of Relious Policy Change in Restoration England

honors thesisCollege of HumanitiesCommunicationKevin CoeDuring the 15th and 16th centuries in England, there was significant political and religious turmoil. Following the English Civil Wars and a secular tyrant, the English people exuberantly welcomed King Charles II. Charles began his reign with enthusiasm for political reform and religious freedom. Despite his promise to work with Parliament to create peace, his reign can be characterized by continual dissent. Upon his death, Parliament immediately stripped many powers from the monarchy. Utilizing a narrative rhetorical approach, I will analyze the argumentation of specific Parliamentary policies and Monarchical declarations in conjunction with minister sermons and journals. With the combination of these analyses, I will establish the two distinct intentions of Charles and Parliament, as well as the true impacts of the policies. I will then examine the lasting effects of these changes on English society. I will conclude with the limitations of this research and some suggestions for future research on this topic