Oliver Cromwell and Charles II successively ruled Britain in the 17th century. Both ruled radically different forms of government – ​​a Republic and a Monarchy respectively – and both had different fields of expertise and experience when they took power. Oliver Cromwell and Charles II had similar domestic policies during their reign, particularly relating to religious toleration and citizens' rights. The two rulers differed in their foreign policies, particularly regarding their motivations for exploration and conquest. Charles II and Oliver Cromwell took similar positions regarding domestic politics. One aspect in which the two were similar was their policy towards religious tolerance. Both men ruled during tumultuous times: England was almost evenly divided between the Anglican Church and the Puritans. Despite the delicate situation in which they both found themselves, they extended religious tolerance to many others. Cromwell, in particular, readmitted the Jews to England because of their potential contribution to the merchant class. Charles II focused primarily on granting Catholics freedom of religion. However, unlike Cromwell, Charles' friendliness towards Catholics led to significant public distrust of the monarch and fears that he was attempting to bring back Catholicism. Anti-Catholic hysteria reached its peak during the Popish Plot, which led the public to demand that Charles expel his son and heir to the throne, James II, because he was a devout Catholic. Charles' refusal to expel his son had lasting consequences on his reign, as the public and Parliament could no longer trust him. Furthermore, both men sought to impose their religious beliefs on the public. Charles re-established the...... middle of paper......lopedia. 16th ed. 1987. Print."Luminarium Encyclopedia: King Charles II of England (1630-1685)." Luminarium: Anthology of English literature. Np, nd Web. 15 November 2011. "Oliver Cromwell (English statesman) - Britannica Online Encyclopedia." Encyclopedia - Encyclopedia Britannica online. Np, nd Web. 14 November 2011. .Oliver Cromwell. London, UK: Longsman, Green, and Co., 1901. Print."Oliver Cromwell." American Academic Encyclopedia. 16th ed. 1987. Print."Oliver Cromwell." The new encyclopedia. 15th ed. 2002. Print."Charles II (King of Great Britain and Ireland) - Online Encyclopedia Britannica." Encyclopedia - Encyclopedia Britannica online. Np, nd Web. November 14. 2011. .