Final answer:
Parliament's opposition to a Catholic monarch during the reign of Charles II's successor, James, was rooted in the historical context of religious conflict, the Protestant Reformation, and national fears of Catholic dominance. The past experiences with Catholic Spain's aggression and domestic issues under Charles II's reign further fueled the desire to prevent a Catholic ruler from taking the throne.
Step-by-step explanation:
Parliament's Opposition to a Catholic Monarch
During the period from 1660 to 1688, England experienced significant religious conflict, which can be traced back to the earlier Protestant Reformation.
English Parliament's opposition to a Catholic monarch was largely driven by historical conflicts such as the Protestant Reformation, the rise of Protestantism, and the fear of Catholic hegemony.
The country had been through intense religious reforms and was wary of Catholic influence, particularly from Catholic monarchies like Spain, which sought to eradicate Protestantism across Europe.
Following the death of Charles II in 1685, his brother James, who was an avowed Catholic, came to the throne. This triggered fears that the already divided and weakened England would succumb to Catholic domination and undo the progress of Protestantism.
The concern was not just about religious practices but also about political sovereignty, civil liberties, and the stability of the English government. Fiscal chaos and the inability to work with Parliament, which characterized Charles' reign, added to the uncertainty and distrust among the English towards a Catholic ruler.
The disastrous attempt by Spain's Philip II to conquer England with the Spanish Armada and forcibly reimpose Catholicism also played a part in shaping Protestant England's stance against Catholic rulers.
The defeat of the Armada was seen as Divine Providence favoring the Protestant cause, further entrenching anti-Catholic sentiment. Due to these complex historical contexts, Parliament was staunchly opposed to Catholic rule, which they saw as a threat to England's religious and political fabric.