1. Marriage:
- Married Anne Hyde, the daughter of Edward Hyde, 1st Earl of Clarendon, in 1660.
- Anne’s Catholicism caused strain in their relationship and created religious divisions at court.
2. Children:
- Had several illegitimate children with various mistresses, causing public scandals.
- Two legitimate daughters with Anne: Mary and Anne, who both later became queens of England.
3. Religious Conflict:
- Faced conflict between Protestant and Catholic factions within England.
- Tried to pursue religious tolerance but encountered resistance from both sides.
4. Foreign Policy:
- Established alliances with influential European countries to maintain England’s position in international affairs.
- Engaged in wars, most notably the Second and Third Anglo-Dutch Wars.
5. Parliament:
- Had tense relations with Parliament due to his attempts to assert royal power and control.
- Faced financial difficulties and disagreements over budget and foreign policy.
6. Cultural and Artistic Patronage:
- Supported and patronized the arts and sciences.
- Encouraged the founding of the Royal Society of London for the advancement of knowledge.
7. Legacy:
- Despite challenges, James’s reign contributed to the development of parliamentary monarchy and the establishment of the Church of England.
- His actions laid the foundation for future political and social developments in England.
Overall, James’s adulthood was marked by a combination of successes and challenges, as well as personal and political trials that influenced the course of his life and the nation.