
England from 1450 to 1750 for AP World History
Nov 11, 2023
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Some of the most famous parts of England's history happened between 1450 and 1750. This includes the reign of King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth, and colonizing the New World.
Read the Google Slides to learn all about how England changed between 1450 and 1750.
England: King Henry VIII
King Henry VIII of England played a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation, a transformative period in European history during the 16th century. Initially a staunch Catholic and a defender of the papacy, Henry’s desire for a male heir led him to seek an annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. When the Pope refused to grant the annulment, Henry, in an unprecedented move, severed ties with the Roman Catholic Church. In 1534, the Act of Supremacy was enacted, declaring the King as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This marked the establishment of the Church of England as a separate entity from the Catholic Church, with Henry at its helm. The dissolution of the monasteries and the redistribution of their wealth further solidified Henry’s authority and provided a financial boost to the crown. While Henry’s motivations were initially personal, his actions had profound and lasting implications, setting the stage for the Church of England’s emergence as a Protestant institution and contributing to the broader Reformation movement across Europe.
England: Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I, who ruled England from 1558 to 1603, is remembered as one of the most influential monarchs in English history. The daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth’s reign is often referred to as the Elizabethan Era, a period marked by cultural flourishing, economic growth, and military success. Elizabeth’s political acumen and diplomatic finesse navigated the religious challenges of the time, fostering a degree of stability after the tumultuous reigns of her predecessors. Despite being a Protestant queen in a predominantly Catholic Europe, Elizabeth pursued a moderate religious policy, seeking a middle ground. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a symbol of England’s naval prowess, further solidified Elizabeth’s reign. Her support of the arts and literature, exemplified by William Shakespeare, contributed to the Elizabethan Renaissance. The Virgin Queen’s legacy endures as a symbol of the strength and resilience of England during a crucial period in its history.
England: The Elizabethan Age
The Elizabethan Age, spanning the reign of Queen Elizabeth I from 1558 to 1603, stands as a remarkable chapter in English history, marked by cultural, political, and economic vibrancy. Often referred to as the Elizabethan Era, this period witnessed a flourishing of the arts, literature, and exploration. The thriving of renowned playwrights like William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Ben Jonson exemplified the literary renaissance. Queen Elizabeth’s diplomatic prowess, navigating the religious tensions of the time, provided a degree of stability after the turbulent reigns of her predecessors. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a defining moment, bolstered England’s maritime reputation and marked the country’s emergence as a naval power. Economic growth, fueled by trade and exploration, contributed to the prosperity of the nation. The Elizabethan Age remains a symbol of resilience, creativity, and cultural achievement, leaving an indelible legacy on the trajectory of England’s history.
England: The Muscovy Company
The Muscovy Company, established in 1555 during the reign of Queen Mary I of England, played a crucial role in early English efforts to engage in trade with Russia. Operating under a charter granted to explorer Sebastian Cabot, the company aimed to establish commercial ties with the emerging Russian state. The Muscovy Company focused on the lucrative trade of furs, particularly sable, and sought to navigate the challenging northern routes to reach Russia. Over the years, the company faced both commercial success and setbacks, contending with competition and political complexities in the Russian context. The Muscovy Company’s activities laid the groundwork for future English trade ventures in Russia, contributing to the expansion of economic ties between the two nations in the subsequent centuries.
England: The British East India Company
Founded in 1600, the British East India Company (BEIC) emerged as a formidable force in the history of British colonialism and global trade. Granted a royal charter by Queen Elizabeth I, the company was initially established for the purpose of trading with the East Indies. Over time, it became the primary vehicle for British imperialism in the Indian subcontinent. The BEIC played a pivotal role in the establishment of British dominion in India, leveraging economic interests to expand territorial control. Its influence extended beyond trade, as the company raised armies, minted its currency, and exercised administrative powers in its territories. The company’s control over India faced challenges, leading to the eventual transfer of power from the BEIC to the British Crown after the Indian Mutiny of 1857. The legacy of the British East India Company is complex, marked by both economic expansion and the controversies of imperial rule, shaping the trajectory of British imperialism and India’s history.
England: Sir Francis Drake
Sir Francis Drake, born around 1540 in Tavistock, Devon, England, stands as one of the most illustrious figures in the maritime history of the Elizabethan era. A skilled sea captain, privateer, and explorer, Drake’s legacy is indelibly marked by his daring circumnavigation of the globe between 1577 and 1580. As the first Englishman to complete such a journey, he achieved both fame and fortune. Drake’s naval exploits extended to his involvement in the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, a pivotal event that bolstered England’s maritime supremacy. His daring raids on Spanish colonies in the Americas earned him both admiration and notoriety. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth I, Drake became a symbol of English naval prowess, contributing significantly to the nation’s expansion and influence during a transformative period in history. His legacy endures as that of a fearless adventurer and key architect of England’s rise as a naval power.
England: The Roanoke Colony
The Roanoke Colony, established during the Elizabethan Age in the late 16th century, holds a mysterious and often perplexing place in the history of early English colonization in the Americas. Sponsored by Sir Walter Raleigh and authorized by Queen Elizabeth I, the first attempt to establish the colony in 1585 proved challenging, facing scarcity of resources and strained relations with local Native American communities. All of the settlers had to return to England. A second attempt in 1587, known as the “Lost Colony,” faced even greater adversity. By 1590, when a supply expedition returned, the settlers had vanished without a trace, leaving only the cryptic word “Croatoan” carved into a tree. The fate of the Roanoke Colony remains an enduring historical enigma, sparking theories and speculation about the settlers’ disappearance. Despite its mysterious end, the Roanoke Colony represents an early chapter in England’s efforts to establish a lasting presence in the New World during the Elizabethan Age.
England: James I
James I ascended to the English throne in 1603 after the death of Elizabeth I, heralding the beginning of the Stuart dynasty’s rule over England. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1567, James inherited the English crown as Elizabeth’s closest living relative. His reign marked a significant moment in history as he unified the crowns of England and Scotland, aiming to create a more centralized authority across his realms.
James I faced religious challenges, particularly with Catholics and Puritans (Calvinists), who resisted the king’s authority in religious matters. Seeking to accommodate these factions, James initiated reforms, but tensions persisted. His claim to divine right, asserting that kings derived their authority directly from God, clashed with Puritan beliefs in congregational autonomy. The failure to fully address these religious tensions led to the establishment of Plymouth Colony in 1620 by Puritans seeking religious freedom.
James I’s reign also witnessed the establishment of Jamestown in 1607, the first permanent English settlement in North America. Although his efforts to reconcile religious divisions fell short, James I played a pivotal role in shaping the early foundations of English colonial ventures in America, setting the stage for the broader colonial history that would follow.
England: Charles I
Charles I, the son of James I, ascended to the English throne in 1625. In 1628, facing financial difficulties, Charles signed the Petition of Right, a document limiting taxes and forbidding unlawful imprisonment. However, once he secured the funds he needed, Charles disregarded the rest of the petition, claiming divine right and avoiding calling another meeting of Parliament for 11 years. Tensions escalated when, in 1640, Scotland invaded England over religious and political issues, leading to the convening of the Long Parliament.
Parliament sought to address grievances and limit the king’s power, aggravating Charles. Refusing to approve funds to quell the Irish rebellion in 1642, Parliament resisted Charles’s attempts to assert control. In response, Charles attempted to arrest five members of Parliament, sparking the English Civil War (1642-1651). The conflict pitted Parliamentarians, or Roundheads, led by Oliver Cromwell, against Royalists, or Cavaliers, loyal to Charles I.
The war unfolded in pivotal battles, including Edgehill, Marston Moor, and Naseby. Cromwell’s disciplined New Model Army proved instrumental in Parliamentarian victories. Charles’s defeat in 1646 led to his imprisonment. Negotiations between the king and Parliament failed, and in 1649, Charles I was tried and executed for high treason. This unprecedented act marked the beginning of the English Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell, who later became Lord Protector. Cromwell’s rule, characterized by strict governance and military success, shaped this period of English history and its complex relationship with monarchy and parliamentary authority.
England: Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell, a central figure in 17th-century English history, rose to prominence during the tumultuous period of the English Civil War and its aftermath. Born in 1599, Cromwell initially played a role in the conflict as a military leader, distinguishing himself with the disciplined and formidable New Model Army. His strategic acumen and religious fervor made him a key figure among the Parliamentarian, or Roundhead, forces.
Following the execution of Charles I in 1649, Cromwell emerged as a dominant political figure in the newly established English Commonwealth. As Lord Protector, a position he assumed in 1653, Cromwell wielded de facto control over England. His rule was marked by strict governance, military interventions in Ireland and Scotland, and a commitment to Puritan values. Cromwell showed religious intolerance against Catholics and the Irish. He encouraged Protestants to move to Northern Ireland in an effort to create a more stable and loyal population.
Cromwell’s death in 1658 marked the end of the Protectorate, and his son Richard proved unable to maintain the same level of control. The subsequent political turmoil paved the way for the restoration of the monarchy under Charles II in 1660.
England: The Stuart Restoration
The Stuart Restoration, a pivotal period in English history, unfolded in 1660 with the return of the monarchy after the tumultuous interregnum following the execution of Charles I. With the death of Oliver Cromwell in 1658 and the subsequent decline of his son Richard’s rule, political instability reigned. In 1660, widespread dissatisfaction with the Protectorate paved the way for the restoration of the Stuart monarchy under Charles II, son of the executed king. This marked the end of the Commonwealth and the Protectorate, bringing a sense of relief and stability to a war-weary nation. Charles II’s return ushered in the era known as the Restoration, characterized by a revival of the monarchy, the reopening of theaters, and a more relaxed social atmosphere. The Restoration also saw the reestablishment of the Church of England as the state church, marking a departure from the strict Puritanical rule of the preceding years. While the period was marked by political and religious compromises, the Stuart Restoration marked a significant shift in England’s political landscape, laying the groundwork for subsequent developments in the reigns of James II and the Glorious Revolution.
England: Charles II
Charles II, the “Merry Monarch,” ascended to the English throne in 1660, marking the Stuart Restoration after years of political upheaval. Despite being a closet Catholic in a predominantly Protestant nation, Charles II acknowledged the importance of religious tolerance and recognized the rights of the people to practice their faith. His reign witnessed the passage of the Habeas Corpus Act in 1679, a landmark legislation safeguarding personal liberty by protecting individuals from arbitrary arrest and imprisonment.
While Charles II brought a sense of stability and cultural flourishing to England, his rule was not without challenges. The issue of religious tolerance, combined with political intrigue and factionalism, fueled tensions that would persist into the next reign. Upon his death in 1685, Charles II was succeeded by his openly Catholic brother, James II, sparking concerns among the Protestant majority. The complex dynamics of Charles II’s reign set the stage for the political and religious transformations that would unfold in the subsequent years, leading to the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
England: James II
James II, the younger brother of Charles II, assumed the English throne in 1685, marking the continuation of Stuart rule. His reign, however, was fraught with challenges due to his openly Catholic faith in a predominantly Protestant realm. James II’s attempts to promote religious tolerance faced resistance, as suspicions and fears of a Catholic resurgence lingered among the Protestant majority.
In 1688, James II’s actions, including the appointment of Catholics to key positions and the birth of a Catholic heir, heightened tensions. Concerns over the potential establishment of a Catholic dynasty prompted a coalition of Protestant nobles to invite William of Orange, a Protestant and James II’s son-in-law, to intervene. This event, known as the Glorious Revolution, unfolded in 1688, leading to James II fleeing to France.
The Glorious Revolution culminated in the ascension of William III and Mary II to the throne, marking a constitutional shift with the establishment of the Bill of Rights in 1689. James II’s reign is remembered for the tensions between Crown and Parliament, the struggle for religious tolerance, and the transformative events that shaped the trajectory of English governance.
England: The Glorious Revolution
The Glorious Revolution of 1688 was a pivotal moment in English history, marking a decisive shift in the balance of power between the monarchy and Parliament. Faced with the Catholic leanings of James II, a Protestant majority in England grew uneasy about the potential resurgence of Catholic influence. In a remarkable turn of events, a coalition of Protestant nobles extended an invitation to William of Orange, James II’s son-in-law and a Protestant, to intervene.
William’s arrival in England prompted a bloodless transition of power, as James II fled to France. This significant event is often termed the Glorious Revolution due to its relative lack of violence. In 1689, William III and Mary II ascended to the throne, jointly accepting the Declaration of Rights, later enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
The Bill of Rights outlined constitutional principles, limiting the powers of the monarch, asserting parliamentary authority, and safeguarding individual liberties. The Glorious Revolution marked a crucial step toward establishing a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch’s authority was subject to the law and the will of Parliament. This transformative period laid the groundwork for the development of constitutional government in England and influenced broader discussions on political philosophy and governance in the years to come.
England: William III and Mary II
William III and Mary II, joint monarchs who ascended to the English throne in 1689, played a crucial role in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution. Their reign marked a turning point in English governance, as they accepted the Declaration of Rights and the Bill of Rights, establishing a constitutional monarchy. William of Orange, a Protestant noble from the Netherlands, and Mary, James II’s Protestant daughter, were invited by English nobles to assume the throne.
Their joint rule reflected the shared monarchy, where both monarchs reigned concurrently. The Bill of Rights affirmed parliamentary supremacy, limited the powers of the monarchy, and safeguarded individual freedoms. The acceptance of these constitutional principles marked a significant departure from absolute monarchy and laid the foundation for the constitutional monarchy that would evolve in the centuries to come.
William and Mary’s reign also saw important developments in foreign policy, including England’s participation in the War of the Grand Alliance against Louis XIV’s France. While their reign faced challenges, including religious tensions and debates over the balance of power, their commitment to constitutional principles left a lasting impact on the evolution of English governance and political thought.
England: The English Bill of Rights
The English Bill of Rights, enacted in 1689, is a landmark constitutional document that played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of England. Forming an integral part of the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution, this bill represented a profound shift in the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament. The Bill of Rights outlined a series of fundamental principles that sought to limit the powers of the monarchy and establish parliamentary supremacy. It affirmed the right to free speech in Parliament, prohibited excessive fines and cruel and unusual punishments, and asserted the necessity for regular parliamentary elections. Additionally, the Bill of Rights addressed issues related to the standing army, ensuring that the monarch could not maintain a permanent military force without parliamentary consent. By cementing these principles into law, the English Bill of Rights laid the foundation for constitutional monarchy and the protection of individual liberties, influencing subsequent constitutional developments not only in England but also serving as a model for constitutional reforms around the world.
England: Leviathan
“Leviathan,” written by Thomas Hobbes and published in 1651, stands as a seminal work in political philosophy, profoundly influenced by the tumultuous context of the English Civil War and the execution of Charles I. Hobbes’s treatise emerged during a period marked by political turmoil, where the clash between Royalists and Parliamentarians led to a breakdown of traditional authority. Witnessing the beheading of Charles I in 1649 likely deeply impacted Hobbes’s views on the necessity of a strong central authority to prevent chaos and preserve order.
In “Leviathan,” Hobbes presented a stark vision of the state as a powerful Leviathan, or sovereign authority, essential for maintaining social order and preventing the “war of all against all” in a hypothetical state of nature. His ideas were a response to the chaotic backdrop of the English Civil War, advocating for a social contract wherein individuals surrender some freedoms in exchange for protection and order provided by a strong central government. Hobbes’s Leviathan reflects a reaction to the tumultuous events of his time, offering a compelling and influential argument for the necessity of absolute sovereignty to prevent societal breakdown in the face of political upheaval and civil strife.
England: John Locke
John Locke, a prominent figure in the Enlightenment and a key philosopher of the 17th century, shaped his influential political writings against the backdrop of significant historical events, particularly the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Living in a period marked by political upheaval and philosophical ferment, Locke’s works were profoundly influenced by the tumultuous events of his time. The Glorious Revolution, which resulted in the ascension of William III and Mary II to the English throne, marked a decisive shift toward constitutional monarchy and parliamentary sovereignty.
In Locke’s seminal work, “Two Treatises of Government” (1690), he articulated his political philosophy, emphasizing the principles of natural rights, the social contract, and the idea that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. Locke’s writings were not only a theoretical exploration of political philosophy but also a pragmatic response to the contemporary challenges and transformations witnessed during the Glorious Revolution. His ideas laid the groundwork for concepts such as individual liberty, the separation of powers, and the right to revolution—all of which became influential in shaping the democratic ideals that would unfold in subsequent centuries. Locke’s intellectual legacy, deeply intertwined with the political events of his era, continues to reverberate in modern discussions on governance, rights, and the foundations of political authority.
Unit 4: Transoceanic Interconnections
AP World History
