- Monday, 29th September, 1pm, Eagle Bar. Topic: "Australian Foreign Policy Directions in a Neo-Colonial World". Cancelled due to no classes!
- Joint meeting with the La Trobe University Liberal Club, [postponed until further notice due to election]. Topic: What is the "Right"?
- Monday, 13th October, 1pm. Formalising the CIIS Education Policy.
- Monday 22nd September.
- Monday 15th September.
- Thursday 11th September Joint meeting.
 His Late Majesty Charles II. Source: Britannia |
About Us The Charles II Society is a conservative, monarchist society based at La Trobe University. We believe in moral values and ideals instead of utopian ideology. We believe in the meaningful, context-laden symbolism of traditional institutions instead of the contrived, empty symbolism of the mis-named 'progressives'. We believe in pomp and ceremony instead of the humourless, remorseless rationalism which pervades political thinking these days. Membership is open to those who are willing to uphold the Society's aims (as set out in our Constitution), that is, those who place honour ahead of venal self-interest. |
 HM Queen Elizabeth II - Coronation. Source: Keep the Queen of Oz. |
Who was Charles II?
Charles II was born on the 29th May 1630.
During the English Civil War, he fought against the Roundheads, before joining his mother, the Queen, in Paris. When his father (Charles I) was executed for 'treason' in 1649, Charles II was proclaimed King in Scotland.
Returning to Scotland, he was crowned King in Scone on 1st January 1651. He invaded England as far as Worcester, but was defeated by Cromwell on 3rdSeptember.
Charles II wandered through his rightful kingdom in disguise for six weeks, a wanted man. He spent several further years as King in exile, being shunted from country to country around Europe. Although his cause seemed hopeless, Charles continued to work to free his country from military despotism.
Eventually, in 1660, Charles was restored. In early May, he was declared King at Westminster and on his birthday, 29th May, he returned to London and the Restoration was complete.
Charles II's reign was marked by tolerance (for example, his response to the regicide was quite measured). The period of his reign was important in the development of many of the elements of our political system today - the party system being an important example. The Tories (Conservative royalists formed from the Cavaliers) and the Whigs (Liberal Roundheads) formed during Charles II's reign, carrying on their toussles in Parliament rather than on the battlefield. The Tory-Whig dichotomy remained for four hundred years, until Tory and Whig sensibilities were fused in Margaret Thatcher's Prime Ministership. Amongst his other activities, Charles sponsored the foundation of the Royal Society, which remains an important institution to this day. (The Royal Society promotes scientific research, and has premises throughout the British Commonwealth, including Melbourne.) The claims of 'progressives' that conservative 'reactionaries' rebel against the advance of science are thus rebuffed. We should take Charles II's lead in fostering social institutions which further human advancement, rather than taking the destructive, nihilistic, 'Cromwellian' road of the self-proclaimed 'progressives'.
Many important lessons can be drawn from the points elaborated above. However, many biographers of Charles II identify a selfish streak (which may be understood, though perhaps not excused, by the trials of his life) and point to Charles' marital infidelity. Perhaps the most important lesson to be drawn from this is that we can never find a perfect, 'absolute' model for action in this world. To justify actions which must be seen as wrong by reference to an absolute role model (or to abrogate responsibility for one's actions by resting on the comforting crutch of an ideology) is to potentially close one's eyes to wrongdoing. We all make mistakes and consequently we must all strive to take responsibility for our actions and beliefs.
Note: In compiling this biography, a number of contradictions were found between different historical references. Further research is encouraged.
More information on Charles II:
The House of Windsor pages on Charles II: Britannia - America's Gateway to Britain
Charles II Stuart - Geneological information
Royal History Webpage
BBC History
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