Final answer:
The support of Buckingham towards Laud during the York House Conference was primarily based on political and religious factors, aiming to enforce religious unity and strengthen monarchical power in the face of Puritan opposition and societal fear of Catholic influence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question 'Why did Buckingham support Laud?' in the context of the York House Conference is rooted in the intertwining of religious and political issues in England during the early 17th century. The Duke of Buckingham, George Villiers, was a staunch supporter of King Charles I and by extension, supported the religious policies of Archbishop William Laud. Buckingham's alliance with Laud was likely informed by political pragmatism, a shared vision for the Anglican Church's future, and loyalty to the Crown. One of the driving reasons behind Buckingham's support toward Laud was their common interest in the divine right of kings and strengthening the monarchy.
England, during this period, was experiencing deep religious divides, particularly between the Puritans and supporters of a more hierarchical and ceremonious Church of England. Archbishop Laud's reforms were designed to enforce religious unity and suppress non-conforming views, aligning with Buckingham's and King Charles I's contempt for Puritanism and preference for royal prerogative over Parliament's influence. Laud's beliefs, which held similarities to Catholic practices and dogma, were seen as counter to Puritan ideals and led to increased fear of Catholic influence on the throne.
The aversion to Catholic monarchs can be traced back to the history of religious conflict in England, including the tumult of the Reformation and the Tudor dynasty's efforts to establish the Church of England. This aversion was reignited when Charles's brother, James, a known Catholic, ascended the throne in 1685, prompting widespread fear that Catholicism would become re-entrenched, threatening Protestant liberties and the traditional English way of life.