The Great Divide : A Massive Rift Tore Essay

The late seventeenth, the eighteenth, and the early nineteenth centuries saw political issues move away from religion and onto the issue of monarchies, especially of France and England. During this time, France’s power waned due to bad leadership while England’s, and later Great Britain's, power increased due to technology and overseas colonies.

James II is 53 when he is crown in 1685. The Parliament, now mostly Tories, were in favor of him, and he claimed that he favored them as well. They rewarded him by letting him raise an army just in time for James of Monmouth rebellion. Monmouth was a bastard son of Charles II and claimed that James had killed quite a few people, including Charles. In July of 1685, the two James met at the Battle of Sedgemoor which resulted in Monmouth’s defeat and eventual execution12. James decided to keep his standing army. Besides being openly Catholic, he also came from a military background. His court was one of dignity. He also kept a tight purse, he doesn’t spend his money on favorites or lavish parties like his brother. He ultimately makes court less interesting and useful for those who wanted to social climb. He believed in order, hierarchy and complete obedience or be dismissed. Although the country, in general, didn’t like Catholics at all, they were mostly okay with James because they knew he was old and was sure to die soon, plus he didn’t have any son, so his successor would be his Protestant daughter Mary. But in 1687 he’s second wife, Mary Beatrice of Modena, also Catholic, became pregnant and on June 10 of 1688, James was born13. Immediately Parliament and the country was in an uproar, Parliament sends word to William of Orange, Mary’s husband, to invade England and take the throne. William agrees and he reaches England in the same year.

Not only was Elizabeth a great leader when it came to religion but her military accomplishments were also overwhelming. During this time, England"s main concern was to limit Spain"s power. So Spain and England went to war. England fought against the Spanish Armada. Sir Francis Drake led the English Fleet to a great victory. When the fight was over, only half the Spanish Armada returned, whereas every single English ship returned to England. This defeat was one of the greatest ever for England. Before this, Elizabeth had kept England out of war for 27 years. For more than three centurys, Englands ships ruled the water. After the war, Elizabeth made a friendship with Spain. Elizabeth also made many treaties with surrounding countries. England became the foremost power in Europe. Even Englands enemies loved Elizabeth. This woman changed the balance of power in Europe during her reign.

Elizabeth showed much leadership and strength in defeating the Spanish. She heeded Machiavelli 's advice and was able to drive England towards a prosporous Golden Age of wealth and power.

It's no secret England is a strong powerful nation who obtains great tradition and power. England in the 1600s was interesting under the

From 1500-1700, there were multiple European monarchs that were beneficial to their country, but there were also many other monarchs that were detrimental to their country. During this time period, certain European countries also had their own governmental issues, whereas other countries were thriving. Throughout the 1600’s, numerous European leaders were fighting internal and external wars, having social and economic problems, and losing faith in their people. On the other hand, some leaders were also providing support for their people and creating a strong government. There are several European monarchs who were beneficial and detrimental, but five key people control the discussion. King James I of England, Peter I of Russia, Louis XIV of France, Pierre Patel, and Queen Elizabeth I of England are all royals who had a substantial influence over their countries.

In England, King James II assumed the throne in 1685. Under his reign there were new bouts of constitutional unrest. King James, a devout Catholic, tried to secure toleration and acceptance of Catholics in England at the time. He did this by pushing policies such as the repeal of the Test Act and Declaration of Toleration. The Test Act was a law ensuring office holders were Anglicans. King James also used his authority to fill office positions with Catholic men. The Declaration of Toleration aimed at securing religious toleration for

James I was faced with many issues throughout his reign from 1603-1625 that challenged his strategical and political skill. James I was not new to a challenge and took on the responsibility nobly. There are four main themes that arose as challenges through the duration of James’ reign: foreign policy, religion, parliament and finance. James’ foreign policy aimed for a mutual peace between England and Spain as well as to keep England out of a war. Thus, it can be said that James was fairly successful in achieving his goal.

First and foremost, Elizabeth I was an outstanding ruler of England, who would reign for 45 years. She was a popular leader who was liked by her people. Elizabeth I was welcomed to the throne on November 17, 1558 at the age of 25, the day Queen Mary had died. But, her coronation did not take place until January 15, 1559 (Elizabeth I). During her time, there were many “voyages of discovery” for her country including: Francis Drake, Walter Raleigh and Humphrey Gilbert. Because of England forming colonies and expanding

He believed very strongly in a king’s divine right to rule. In True Law of Free Monarchies, he uses scripture to back his ideas. He also refers to the king as being “a naturall Father” with “fatherly duties of caring for his subjects. Though he was never able to really secure an absolutist rule, some shared his ideas. Philosopher Robert Filmer wrote “I cannot find anyone place or text in the Bible where any power or commission is given to a people either to govern themselves, or to choose themselves governors, or to alter the manner of government at their pleasure.” James’ own son, Charles I, also tried to implement absolutism by suspending Parliament and attempting to quell those who opposed it. Attempts to implement an absolutist state in England ultimately failed and limited monarchy and, in addition, representative government

In 1625, Charles I inherited the throne. He too behaved like an absolute monarch. Tensions between Charles and Parliament escalated into civil war. The

England was experiencing arising conflict in its country in large part from religious conflict between different types of Protestants and factors including financial problems Charles I experienced as King. England was a Protestant country and when Charles I started implementing changes to the church, many got upset and fears he was turning the nation to Catholicism. Charles I also didn't spend his money wisely, just like his father, and found himself in the need to find more money in different ways. With Charles looking for money, he upset many people. England’s civil war in 1642 arose in large part due to differences in religious attitudes, the authority of the King and the lack of money he had for England.

During the late 1600s, King James II ruled England by absolutism. Under an absolutist government, the king was given more power allowing him to make laws and decisions without the consent of the Parliament. Throughout his reign, James was abusing

It was turbulent times for England during the 17th and 18th century. England was in an unquenchable thirst for more power. “During the 17th and 18th century, England was determined to subdue all lesser countries, especially Ireland” (Stevenson, 28). At the time, England was the dominating country, looking to expand their influence across the world. War broke out constantly as the conquest for more land continued. Moreover, war was constant with the three kingdoms, England, Ireland, and Scotland. Revolts in each kingdom also affected the country’s ability to participate in the war. As

Considering the past historical events, the English Civil War was a disagreement due to a conflict between the overpowering Parliament and the King, Charles I.