Description
This course will explore the history of England during the turbulent reigns of the houses of Tudor and Stuart. Essentially, this is the period in which England became a great power, began its long evolution toward democracy, and founded a global empire. An understanding of this period is especially critical to put the early development of America into context. Beginning with the struggle for the throne known as the Wars of the Roses and the triumph of Henry Tudor, the course examines the society, economy, and politics of the period along with its many interesting and colorful personalities including Henry VIII and his six unfortunate wives, the boy-king Edward VI, Bloody Queen Mary, and the "Virgin Queen" Elizabeth I. The throne then passed to James I and his heirs, who witnessed some of the most important moments in English history including the English Civil War and the reign of Puritan general Oliver Cromwell and the overthrow of James II in the "Glorious Revolution" that establishe