Chapter 3 Bilde inn The Enlightenment Joseph Wright of Derby (1734–97): “An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump”, 1768.

Historical background 1 A power struggle between King Charles I and Parliament developed into armed conflict English Civil War (1642-49) resulted in the execution of the king and a period of republican rule, the Commonwealth (1649-58) under Oliver Cromwell After Cromwell’s death the monarchy was restored (the Restoration) in 1660 under Charles II Oliver Cromwell leading his New Model Army

Historical background 2 Fear that Charles II’s successor James II would reintroduce Catholicism led to his replacement by Protestant William of Orange Development of constitutional monarchy – i.e. most political power lies in Parliament Economic liberalism leads to growth of capitalism

Historical background 3 England and Scotland joined by Act of Union (1707) – Great Britain is born London becomes hub of a global empire Voyages of exploration, followed by trade and colonisation

The American Colonies Population of colonies grew rapidly in the 18th century (2.5 million in 1776) Colonists paid tax to Britain, but had no representation in Parliament. American Revolution – independence declared in 1776. War of Independence ends 1783 with victory for colonists

The Age of Reason Late 17th and early 18th century a period of rapid advancement in science Built on legacy of Galileo Galilei, René Descartes and Isaac Newton Emphasis on reason, knowledge and scientific inquiry. However – the Enlightenment also tolerated the Atlantic slave trade

Neo-classicism Art should mirror the perceived order and proportion of Creation. Emphasis on restraint, common sense and order Heyday of essays, letters and satire Longleat House

The Rise of the Novel Ideal genre for charting social destinies – the individual making his way in the world Rising middle class provided a devoted readership for the new genre Early novelists like Defoe and Swift drew heavily on journalism