Charles II of England vs Jeongjo

Charles II was invited back to England by Parliament, restoring the monarchy after the death of Oliver Cromwell. The Declaration of Breda promised amnesty and religious tolerance, leading to a peaceful transition and the end of the Commonwealth.

A massive fire destroyed much of London, including St. Paul's Cathedral and thousands of homes. Charles II oversaw the rebuilding efforts, appointing Christopher Wren to redesign the city, which modernized London's architecture.

Charles II signed the Secret Treaty of Dover with Louis XIV of France, agreeing to convert to Catholicism and support French wars in exchange for subsidies. This secret pact undermined English Protestant interests and sparked political controversy.

Parliament passed the Test Act, requiring all officeholders to receive Anglican communion and renounce transubstantiation. Charles II reluctantly accepted it, which excluded Catholics from public office and deepened religious divisions.

Titus Oates fabricated a conspiracy alleging a Catholic plot to assassinate Charles II and install his Catholic brother James. The resulting hysteria led to the execution of innocent Catholics and a political crisis, though Charles remained skeptical.

King Jeongjo founded the Gyujanggak, a royal library and research institute in Seoul. It housed a vast collection of books and served as a center for scholarly research and policy development, promoting practical learning (sirhak).

King Jeongjo actively supported the Sirhak scholars, who advocated for practical reforms in agriculture, commerce, and technology. He appointed them to government positions and encouraged their research, fostering an intellectual renaissance in late Joseon.

King Jeongjo ordered the suppression of Catholicism in Joseon, executing several converts and banning the religion. This action was motivated by concerns over foreign influence and the perceived threat to Confucian social order.

King Jeongjo implemented the Suyang system, a military reform that reorganized the royal guard and local defense forces. He also introduced new weapons and training methods, strengthening Joseon's military capabilities.

King Jeongjo ordered the construction of Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon to honor his father Prince Sado and to establish a new administrative center. The fortress was built using advanced construction techniques and included a planned city. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.