Who oversaw the Restoration of the Monarchy and the creation of Restoration Colonies such as the Carolinas?

• A. James II
• B. Charles II
• C. Oliver Cromwell
• D. Charles I

Answer: (B)

Charles II is the figure who fits this both historically and chronologically. After the English Civil War and the Interregnum, the monarchy was restored in 1660 when Charles II returned to England and reclaimed the throne. His reign revived royal authority and also spurred overseas expansion, including the granting of charters to establish new colonies. In 1663, Charles II issued a charter to eight Lords Proprietors to create the Carolina colony, which would later be split into North and South Carolina and become known as Restoration Colonies, named for the king who authorized them. This ties the restoration of the monarchy directly to the push to establish and govern these new territories. By contrast, Oliver Cromwell led the republican government before the Restoration, Charles I was the monarch whose execution ended the earlier rule, and James II followed Charles II on the throne.