Q&A · 1:10:29-1:10:35

Charles II and armed-forces readiness

A direct question identifies Charles II's interest in keeping the armed forces ready and capable.

Question

What influence did Charles II have on the armed forces?

Short answer

He was interested in ensuring that the armed forces were ready and capable.

Notes

Charles II took an interest in military readiness and wanted the armed forces to be capable as well as available. The answer is brief, so it does not assign him a detailed program of reform. It nevertheless complicates an image of the Restoration king as concerned only with court entertainment.