The Causes of Popish Plot of 1678

Abstract

From the time of Henry VIII and the dreadful recollection of "Bloody Mary", and later the reign of Elizabeth I, the theme of anti-Catholicism had been on a "roller coaster" in sixteenth and seventeenth century England. The Reformation had been gradually consolidated in the Elizabethan era. During the subsequent Restoration (Stuart) period, fears of France and its absolutist ruler, basically the Catholics' increasing rise to influential positions at the Royal Court developed. In the eye of the public, the restoration of Catholicism in England, menacing absolutism and the persecution of Protestants had been the most effective jeopardy of all time. These dreads had led the English society to react ardently to Titus Oates' lies in 1678. The Civil War which had provoked a mentally damaged nation easily brought to the surface these fears, which were hiding deeply in the collective mind...