Religions
Religion was one of the reasons behind change and upheaval in England during the 17th century. Looking back at history keenly, religion was one of the causes of the civil war witnessed in England during the 17th century. This began from the days of godly rule by Oliver Cromwell and ‘the Saints’, straight to the Glorious Revolution witnessed at the end of the 17th century. These years witnessed tensions within English Protestantism leading to a very intense battle for supremacy during the early 17th century. This war did not stop here as it continued through the mid-17th century by the disintegration of Puritanism movement to several opposing groups leading to the increasing radicalism in religion within the community of England. It was after the reinstatement of the Church and the King in the year 1660 that the people were able to adopt religious tolerance leading to various implications to the society and culture England. This century witnessed the changing fortunes of Anglican Church from a national Church to the established Church throughout the century. These religious conflicts played a great deal in shaping the current political system in England.
Political
The 17th century witnessed various political battles in English History and is one of the periods in the history of Great Britain that helped shape the current Monarchy. It was in the year 1607 that England built an establishment in Jamestown marking the start to their colonization of North America. The English Civil Wars broke up in 1642 involving several armed fights and political maneuverings mostly between Legislators and Monarchists. The first and the second civil wars all happened between the years 1642 to 1649. These wars were between the followers of King Charles I and those of the Long parliament who were engaged in constant battled during this period. These wars led to the capture and trial of King Charles I and his eventual beheading in 1949 bringing the war to an end. The third civil war did occur later between the years 1649 to 1651. This war pitted followers of King Charles II against the Rump Parliament followers. It was until the year 1651 that the wars ended with a victory to the Parliamentarians at the Battle of Worcester. The monarchy would be restored by King Charles II when he returned to England in the year 1660.
Social
17th century English society was greatly affected by the civil wars that broke up over religious differences. The war did affect the society but prosperity was still common in rural areas, growing towns as well as in the capital London. The divisions brought about by religious differences were also common among the people the gentry and also pitted cities against the country. The year 1600 witnessed a rapid growth of the British Empire as wealth would return to the country together with expensive luxury items. There was sugar and coffee imported from the East Indies, tea exported from India and slaves mainly from Africa and some from within England. Trade in England during this period was booming, and most people made a living out of the trade. It was London that was a major destination for many as its population grew rapidly due to the increased economic opportunities that were available in the city. London was the epicenter of politics in Britain; business and high society was also common. It was the main port and hub of trade for most English as most businesses were carried out in the city. However, the city experienced several diseases like the Great Plague of London between the years 1664 to 1666 that led to the death of many Londoners.
Work Cited
Strong, Roy (1996). The Story of Britain. London: Hutchinson. ISBN 1-85681-099-2.
