1. British Society Crossroads

3. 17 th Century English Society England becoming a powerful & wealthy nation – Colonies in North America, India & South Africa – Trade with colonies created wealth. Business & Agriculture Industry Growth – Many opportunities for entrepreneurs

4. 17 th Century English Society Population Grew Rapidly Society divided into three classes – Upper King, advisors, nobles & high church officials – Middle Merchants, manufacturers, landowners, professionals & military officers – Lower Ordinary Workers

5. Religion in the 17 th Century In the 17 th Century, most of England was Protestant though a few Roman Catholics remained in the country There were two main Protestant groups in England: the Church of England (Anglicans) and the Puritans

6. Church of England (Anglican) Official church in England. King was its head. Supported by taxes from the people Services were very elaborate and buildings were richly decorated

7. Puritans Large and powerful group of dissenting Protestants -Thought the Anglican Church was too much like Catholic Church. Believed churches and church services should be simple and plain Wore dark clothes and lived very sober lives. Believed that authority came from Bible (not the King)

11. Puritans in England Puritanism spread rapidly throughout England in the 16 th and 17 th centuries. Often faced persecution: – At times it was illegal for puritans to hold their own services and many were imprisoned or fined for their beliefs. Many immigrated to North America in search of religious freedom. Others entered parliament as a way to gain political power and promote their beliefs.

14. Witches

15. Puritans sensitive to evil and constantly on the lookout for witches. Women were generally targets (“original sin”) usually went after people that didn’t fit in – old spinsters, medicine women etc. – Estimated 12,000 tried and executed in Europe

16. “Outing” a Witch -Torture was often used to extract confessions. -Types of torture used in England included bread-and-water diets, tethering of limbs and sleep deprivation -Condemned witches were ducked in water with their thumbs tied to their toes until they drowned. -Others were hanged, burned or pressed to death.