Culture

Although England's ruler's were wealthy aristocrats and absolutists, the cultural ways of England's inhabitants were based of an agricultural lifestyle. As disciplined quick learners, the English studied the ways of the dutch and learned how to make a Dutch drainage system, and learned the Dutch way of farming. With this inspiration came a breed of new innovators in farming bringing forth the agricultural revolution. The English, now having farming be a way of their life and culture, learned how to produce larger crops creating larger incomes, and began using equipment with farming rather that doing everything by hand. They began using horses for plowing their fields quicker and used selective breeding to raise faster horses as well. The culture change in England's masses during this time period was truly based off of agriculture, and through this way of life brought great thinkers who learned to perfect the way they lived it.

Baron d'Holbach's opinion of England

Baron d'Holbach was a German- French author, philosopher and encyclopedist. He was also the forefather of atheism. Due to these facts, i believe d'Holbach had a negative opinion on England. In England, religion was a key component to life and their society. The countries religion affected everyones daily life greatly whether it was Catholicism or Anglicanism. d'Holbach did not believe in God, he was atheist. Therefore, he would disagree with England and it's religious views. As a result, he would have a negative opinion of England because they do not agree with his beliefs.

Beccaria on the Englightenment Age

Although my main area of work is in crime, there are few new developments in terms of the criminal justice system during this time. It does upset me that England continues to behead many people each year, as most European countries do, but because this has been going on for a long time, I focus on other areas. It surprises me that only a minority truly believed in reason rather than church dogma at the beginning of the Scientific Revolution. As the United Kingdom continues to produce great scientists and philosophers dedicated to making contributions to this new theory of reason, my approval for the nation rises. One element that I do not like about England is the method of government that denies two of my main principles: The state as a form of contract and the principle of utility, or the greatest happiness for the greatest amount. Because the monarchy continued selfish rule into the latter portion of the 17th century, only the royalty and nobles were content with their situation. This goes against my somewhat socialistic beliefs in that the commoners should actually be most content with society because the represent the greatest majority.

Opinion of David Hume

David Hume was a very influential philosopher of the time, known as the first great philosopher to carve out a thoroughly naturalistic philosophy. He believed strongly in and is credited with the creation of cause and effect. He believed strongly that the world was as we represent it, and there was little to no influence from any supernatural being. For this reason, Hume probably had a negative outlook on England at the time. In England, religion was quite widespread, and belief in god was everywhere. Whether it be through Catholicism or Anglicanism, God played a great role in the lives of everyone. Hume did not approve of the incredible role of a supernatural in lives of the English, he believed that everything in the world had a cause and everything could be proven. The work of God disproves his theory.

How England was Impacted during the Scientific Revolution

The Scientific Revolution was a major factor in England for various reasons. England witnessed the birth of many talented thinkers, including Thomas Hobbs and John Locke, men whose theories would eventually spark revolution. As the Scientific Revolution gave way to reason in a push away from the church, these men began to become more liberal on philosophical ideas about government and general human rights. Locke's famous quote about each man's right to "Life, liberty, and property" was a new and profound idea that would be a key slogan behind the American Revolution. England, more than any other nation, felt this vast change in attitude with the arrival of the Scientific Revolution. A philosopher of this era, Sir Francis Bacon, brought about the essay in England. Although he is not credited for the creation of the essay, he is responsible for bringing it to England. His creation of the scientific method also attributed to the evolution in science going on at the time, not just in England, but all throughout Europe. Also during this time, Mary Wollstonecraft, an English author wrote about the rights of women and greatly impacted the female development in society. Today, she is considered the most influential spokeswoman of women's rights of early European history.

The viewpoints of a Clergy member

How can we be a puritan country without being purified of all the Catholics. King James seems to have some sympathy towards them. Now the King will not even let us abolish the church bishop. Those damned Calvinists are beginning to take an influence on our King.

The perspective of a Nobleman

It is very upsetting, the merchants are taking over our House of Commons. They are making so much money now through their cloth industry and joint-stock companies. Now they are claiming to be smarter than us! Now we are being taxed without having a say in our state policies. This is all too upsetting.

The impact of the era on the UK

The most significant event would have to be the creation of the Anglican church by Henry VIII. At the time when the country was Catholic, Henry was married to Catherine. Henry had decided he want to divorce his wife and marry Anne Boleyn, another women he had been clandestinely seeing. He approached the pope and asked him if he would null and void his marriage with Catherine. However, the pope would not agree to do so. As a result, Henry created Anglican church so he could divorce Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. From that day on England was no longer Catholic, but instead Anglican. Henry changed the country's religion to Anglicanism so he could divorce his wife and marry another woman. This was a very significant event as it marked a change in religion in the UK.

My entry as a peasant

Dear journal,
I am very upset at the moment. The new king, James, has replaced Elizabeth and has done nothing to fix the problems our country is currently in. Elizabeth left the country in debt and king James has done nothing to repair it. All he does is prance around with all of his male friends instead of doing things to benefit the country. I especially, since i am a peasant, receive everything worse than others. I am poorer than the average person, therefore, it is much harder for me to support my family. Maybe king James will decide to do something and tend to the needs of the country.

Visit Westminster Abbey

When visiting London, I can tell you from experience that one sight that absolutely must be seen is Westminster Abbey. The Abbey is over 1000 years old, and is home to the burial place of kings, statesmen, poets, scientists, warriors and musicians of the era we have recently studied in class. Its architect is unmatched, even during this time. From the outside it appears as if it is a "drip castle" made out of sand from a beach, but it is actually a miracle of historical architecture. The Abbey also serves as a chruch for the most important ceremonies of the English government, such as the wedding and funeral of Princess Diana. The many statues are tribute to past leaders and their spouses, all of which were created at the same time that these kings ruled.

When visiting the Abbey, it would be most intelligent to utilize the free, audio tour that the wonderful building offers. This will allow you to walk the halls of the amazing place and listen to a voice tell you about the various structures within at your own pace. Its also a good idea to visit the small Abbey museum which reveals the tombs of some other monarchs that have been dug up. The Abbey, which has now become an emblem for the city, is located in the heart of London next to Parliament square.

Helpful Links

Unit 1: The black death- http://www.britainexpress.com/History/medieval/black-death.htm

Hundred Years' War- http://www.theotherside.co.uk/tm-heritage/background/100yearswar.htm

The Renaissance in England-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Renaissance


Unit 2: The English Reformation-http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/reformation.htm

The English Reformation-http://www.educ.msu.edu/homepages/laurence/reformation/English/English.Htm


Unit 3: English Constitutionalism-http://staff.gps.edu/mines/Age%20of%20Absolutism%20-%20Overview%20and%20Essential%20Questions.htm

English Civil War-http://www.historyonthenet.com/Civil_War/civilwarmain.htm

England's Glorious Revolution- http://www.historyonthenet.com/Civil_War/civilwarmain.htm

Political Change

Throughout Units 1-3, the UK went through many political changes. This Era highlights the reign of the Lancaster family, then the Yorkist line, and then the House of Tudor. All leaders of the time ruled by divine right, some of which utilized less of the power that they believed they were given. Henry VIII, for example ruled more absolutely than the other Kings of his time. Parliament went through many changes, one being the establishment of the House of Commons after the 100 Year's War. Its power was heightened and taken away on various different occasions. Some kings chose to obey the rights of the Parliament, and its veto power, and some chose to ignore it.

My Entry as King or Queen

James I: It is disappointing to me to see that the Parliament would like to have limited control. If they truly believed in me and my divine right to rule, they would not ever ask to help me, nor would they withold funds that I need to pay for my personal possessions and needs. The House of Commons continues to deny my right to tax, a clear violation of my divine right.

Charles I: I fully support my father, James, and his opinions. I do not need Parliament to question my divinity or to control the country's economy. They are simply getting in my way and I will not listen to them. Instead I will do all I can to impose taxes without their help and I will arrest anyone I please without a charge. The Petition of Rights passed many years back is also quite offending to me. If the people are going to question my right to rule, then clearly they are not fit to live in England.

Oliver Cromwell: My military victory over the unfair monarchy, led by the now beheaded Charles I, has led me to the throne. I lead a republican government, under the religion of Puritanism, although some may call it a military dictatorship. Howevever, I do allow Parliament to have their say on taxes for the most part.

Charles II: Finally, the great Stuart family has returned to the English throne. However, I do acknowledge the mistakes of my ancestors and I will allow Parliament a limited role in the rule of this country. I have unfortunately recently made mistakes in making a secret treaty with Louis XIV. I do not care much about religion, and therefore for income I have no problem switching religions. However, this will soon get me thrown out of office.

JamesII: I must say, looking back on my rule, that it is unfair to have come into the monarchy at such a hysterical time. The people dreaded a return to Catholicism, and I was forced to abdicate just three years after stepping into office. After I produced a male heir, the people were terrified of a Catholic dynasty and instead asked William and Mary to rule the country.

William and Mary: We are proud to be known as the final abolitionists of divine right monarchy. When we came to the throne in 1688, we immediately accepted Parliament's leadership and are willing to serve a co-role with the governing body. We are also proud to be known as a part of the glorious revolution, because it marks the end of complete absolutism in this country and a switch to constitutionalism.

Monarchy during Absolutism & Constitutionalism era

Queen Elizabeth began the era of this unit, that starts in 1589. She was a protestant ruler, taking after her mother Anne Boleyn and her father Henry VIII. As the book states, "The extraordinary success of Elizabeth I had rested on her political shrewdness and flexibility, her careful management of finances, her wise selection of ministers, her clever manipulation of Parliament, and her sense of royal dignity and devotion to hard work." However, the reference to Parliament is not to suggest that she was a constitutional monarch. Elizabeth ruled absolutely, and her subjects loved her, primarily for her victory in the Spanish Armada. She was, as Henry VIII had begun, both the head of state and the head of the Anglican Church. Elizabeth was one of the last absolute rulers before England began to become constitutional.
Although Charles I, who came later, did attempt to rule without the consent of parliament, he had a very difficult time. After the Petition of Rights hurt his power in 1628, the Triennial Act passed in 1640 had a lasting impact on the English monarchy. As Charles' rule came to a close, the English Civil War began, marking the beginning of Parliament's rise to partial power in a constitutional monarchy.

Society in the UK during units 1 & 2

During these two units the black plague struck the UK. The black plague was devastating, killing many people. The human anatomy was not stressed during this time period, so many people caught the plague and had no idea they did. Medicine was not very successful in curing the plague, so as a result many people died. In addition, the renaissance took place as well. The renaissance took place in France first and spread to the rest of Europe later. The renaissance contained the revival of classical sources, the rise of courtly and papal patronage, the development of perspective in painting, and advancements in science. The church was also weakened during these two units. The reformation was sparked by Martin Luther, which caused the Catholic church to become very weak. During the reformation in England, Anglicanism was formed by Henry VIII. Henry wished to have his marriage to Catherine end by getting the pope to null and void it. The pope did not agree with Henry and refused to grant his wishes. As a result, Henry created Anglicanism so he could divorce Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn. He then created the Act of Supremacy, which stated that the King was head of church and state.

English Politics During Units 1 & 2

During Unit 1, the most important political event was the 100 Year's War. The 100 Year's War was essentially a debate over rightful heir to the French throne. In 1328, Charles IV of France, the last surviving child of Philip the Fair, died childless. This created the controversy as who was next to take the throne in France. Also in contention were French lands that were owned by English kings, such as Flanders. These states wanted to be free of French control, Flanders in particular had a great wool industry. The war consisted of a series of raids, not non-stop fighting. France held an advantage of a greater population, wealthier government, and bigger army, while the British had better weapon technology, captured enemies for ransom, and only took part in quick, pitched battles. The longbow and the cannon were two very important weapons utilized by the British. It seemed as though England would win the war, when suddenly the Kings of both countries died. With the help of Joan of Ark, France rallied and defeated Britain. No treaty was formed, there was simply a succession of hostilities. Britain established its hour of commons.

During Unit 2, the most prominent leader was King Henry VIII. Henry was married 6 times, and executed 2 of his wives for adultery (Anne Boleyn, Katherine Howard). He created the new religion Anglicanism, in order to allow himself the power to divorce his wives. Also during this period was the controversy of Mary Queen of Scots. Mary married first a French man named Francis II, but he died as heir to the French throne. She killed her second wife for cheating on her, and when suspicion arose, she ran away with another man named James Hepburn. She was captured again and sent to live with her cousin Elizabeth, Queen of England. Realizing that she was the only heir to the English throne if Elizabeth were to die, Mary plotted to kill her. She was caught before she was able to complete the task, and was beheaded at last.