How did Charles II manage his relationship with Parliament?

Charles II managed his relationship with Parliament through a mix of cooperation, manipulation, and strategic concessions.

Charles II ascended to the throne in 1660 during the Restoration, a period when the monarchy was re-established after the English Civil War and the Interregnum. He understood the importance of maintaining a working relationship with Parliament to avoid the conflicts that had led to his father's execution. Initially, Charles II worked closely with the Cavalier Parliament, which was generally supportive of the monarchy. This cooperation helped him secure funds and pass necessary legislation.

However, Charles II's relationship with Parliament was not always smooth. He often faced opposition, particularly from the Whigs, who were suspicious of his pro-Catholic sympathies and his foreign policies. To manage this, Charles II employed a strategy of manipulation and political manoeuvring. For instance, he used the royal prerogative to dissolve Parliament when it became too troublesome and called for new elections to bring in more favourable members.

Charles II also made strategic concessions to maintain a balance of power. The most notable example is the signing of the Treaty of Dover in 1670, where he secretly agreed to convert to Catholicism and support France against the Dutch in exchange for financial support from Louis XIV. This allowed him to be less dependent on Parliament for funds, giving him more leverage in negotiations.

Moreover, Charles II utilised the royal court and patronage system to build a network of loyal supporters within Parliament. By granting titles, lands, and positions, he ensured that many MPs were personally invested in maintaining a good relationship with the crown.

In summary, Charles II's management of his relationship with Parliament was a complex blend of cooperation, strategic concessions, and political manipulation, aimed at maintaining his authority while avoiding the pitfalls that had plagued his predecessors.