17th Century England Defining Characteristics

Geography of Great Britain Great Britain is an island separated from the European mainland by the English Channel and North Sea. It comprises the nations of England, Scotland and Wales

Regions of Great Britain Page 121 Lowland Britain Highland Britain South and East Consists of low-lying and fertile lands ideal for agriculture Warmer climate due to the Gulf Stream which carries warm water and winds from the Gulf of Mexico North and West Consists of hilly mountainous countryside with thin soils with some pockets of fertile land

Result of regional differences Lowland Britain has always been more heavily populated, wealthier, and more politically powerful

Changes in Society Why was feudalism ending ? People moving from the country to towns and cities No longer had ties to lords People more in control of their own destinies 3 classes of people developed

Upper class The monarch and advisors, nobles, high church officials such as bishops lived in fine town and country houses Owned valuable possessions

Middle class Merchants, manufacturers, landowners, professionals, and military officers Wealthy middleclass lived in fine town and country houses Owned valuable possessions

Lower Class Farmers and workers Skilled workers Carpenters, Blacksmiths, dressmakers Could earn good incomes and live comfortably Unskilled workers Worked long hours for pennies a day (worse for women) Lived in small homes, often 1 or 2 rooms

English Diet in the 17th century Pre 17th Century Post 17th Century Poor lived off mainly bread and beer, and occasionally meat or cheese Wealthy ate meat heavily spiced to hide old taste Fruit and veggies not popular and eaten uncooked Foods arriving from all over the world Pineapple, maize, potatoes, coffee, tea, and chocolate

English Social Customs in the 17th century The Coffee House New social institution in which men could drink coffee smoke tobacco and discuss politics and gossip

Religion in 17th century England Most of England was Protestant Still some Catholics in the country The official church was the Church of England Anglican Church The king was the head of the church People paid tithes to the church (1/10 or earnings)

Puritans Large and powerful Protestant group Opposed to the ceremonies and decoration of the Anglican Church Wore dark clothing and disapproved of drinking, gambling, sports, and theatre

Calvinists Puritans were Calvinists Believed that churches should be simple and plain Hated the extravagant art and ceremony of the Roman Catholic Church

Puritans in Politics Some Puritans entered parliament as another way to promote their beliefs As a result, Stuart Kings would have to fight parliament on both religious and political grounds

Puritans in the New World Some Puritans left the country in search of religious freedom At times imprisoned and fined for practicing their religion in England The Pilgrims chartered the Mayflower to America Founded a colony at Plymouth Rock 1620