Puritanism to the Enlightenment 1640 - 1780

Questions we’ll answer… What factors contributed to the outbreak of the English Civil War? What were the features of Puritanism? What were the goals of the English Enlightenment?

Historical, Social, & Cultural Forces Divine Right of Kings King James I believed that his power was given directly from God He wanted his subjects to follow the practices of the Church of England Puritans couldn’t gather for religious meetings Catholics couldn’t practice Mass What might be the problem with this? People left England Catholics went to European countries Puritans ended up in North America **Plymouth Colony, 1620

Historical, Social, & Cultural Forces Growing Conflict In 1625, King Charles I came to power and followed his father’s example. He ignored Parliament’s opinions and forced Anglican rituals on Puritans and others. In 1629, King Charles dissolved Parliament He didn’t call it back into session for ELEVEN years. Realizing his mistake, he called Parliament back into session in 1640 Compromise was out of question Parliament called for a new Constitution demanding control of ALL Church, Military, and Judicial matters King Charles left London for York and the battle lines were drawn in August ,1642 King Charles vs. Oliver Cromwell

The Civil War Fought between Royalists or Cavaliers and the Puritan Roundheads (Parliamentarians) Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army dominated and King Charles surrendered to the Scots in April, 1646 The Scots gave him to Parliament for a large ransom

Parliamentary Power Charles I was publically beheaded Parliament abolished the monarchy soon after Oliver Cromwell named LORD PROTECTOR of England 1646 - 1658 He imposed strict Puritanical rules on public behavior and religious worship No more Fun in England, not even Christmas was celebrated

The Restoration 1660 – Parliament invited Charles II (King Charles I’s son) back to England to take the Throne Theaters reopened, festivals were celebrated, culture and ideas flooded England from Europe Intellectual life began to flourish once again, leading to “The Enlightenment”

The Enlightenment A European Philosophical and Literary Movement Began in the late 1600s The Enlightenment is often called the “AGE OF REASON” Characterized by a profound faith in the power of Human reason and a devotion to clarity of thought. Reason became the SUPREME Authority

Neoclassicism A “NEW” appreciation for “CLASSIC” works A related “Literary” movement Characterized by Poetry, Prose, and Criticism A conviction that the classical authors (Greek/Roman authors) perfected the rules that writing should follow.

Puritanism & the Civil War English Enlightenment & Neoclassicism Big Ideas Puritanism & the Civil War The Restoration English Enlightenment & Neoclassicism

Puritanism & the Civil War Puritanism was a radical form of Protestantism Acknowledged the “Pure” word of God as revealed in the Bible Central goal was to purify the Church of England by removing doctrines and rites retained from Catholicism Ultimate Authority was from God, not the King

Puritanism & the Civil War Conflict Who has Authority? God or King? Civil War Puritans led by Oliver Cromwell 3.5 years of fighting, ended in January, 1649 Resulted in King Charles I losing his head Parliament, controlled by Puritans and Cromwell, “cleaned house” from 1649 – 1658 Catholicism was not accepted or tolerated Little pleasure or entertainment allowed Economy Prospered Cromwell died in 1658, Military ruled until 1660 Charles II, heir to the throne, restored in May, 1660.

The Restoration “The Good Times” Charles II, known as the “Merry Monarch”, enjoyed pleasures of all kinds Belief in “Carpe Diem” throughout England A defiance against the Puritan Rule Women allowed to act in new theaters Holidays celebrated again Those who spoke out against new behavior could be jailed Great Fire of London & The Plague Punishment from God? Plague in 1665 –Great Fire of London, 4 days in 1666 City rebuilt in fire-resistant Stone by Sir Christopher Wren

English Enlightenment & Neoclassicism Deism God manifests himself through the grandeur of his creation One can know God through the use of reason and observation to study the laws of the physical universe Scientific Revolution Royal Society of London Natural philosophers & scientists Followed Bacon’s inductive approach to knowledge The Rule of Reason “Nature is the sole authority” – Royal Society of London Shared learning Philosophical Transactions Plain style of writing – great influence of Scientific writing still today

English Enlightenment & Neoclassicism The Rule of the Ancients Nature is orderly and rational Underlying patterns are harmonious and beautiful Poetry was governed by natural, not man-made laws. Purpose of Art is to imitate Nature Neoclassical writers turned to classical Greek and Roman texts Belief that these texts explain the natural laws that govern Belief that Satire, which points out our faults and flaws, could cause people to live a more balanced, moderate, and harmonious life