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Chapter 15: Absolutism and Constitutionalism

Thomas Hobbes and the English Civil War

  • Overview of Hobbes:

    • Believed in the mystic view of human nature, positing that humans are inherently competitive for power and wealth.

    • Advocated for absolute sovereignty in his 1651 treatise, Leviathan.

  • The English Civil War (1642-1649):

    • Conflict between the power of the king and that of Parliament.

    • Key Battles:

      • Battles of Naseby and Langport where Parliament's New Model Army defeated Royalist forces.

    • Charles I refused to concede defeat, leading to a prolonged conflict.

Cromwell and the Puritan Protectorate

  • Cromwell's Leadership:

    • Led the New Model Army and captured Charles I in 1647.

    • Established military dictatorship known as the Puritan Protectorate (1653-1658).

  • Significant Actions:

    • Put Charles on trial; executed him in 1649, abolishing kingship.

    • Established the Instrument of Government (1653) outlining a new constitution.

  • Cromwell's Policies:

    • Enforced moral ordinances, forbidding sports, closing theaters, and censoring the press.

    • Promoted religious toleration for non-Catholics, welcoming Jewish immigration.

The Restoration of the Monarchy

  • Restoration in 1660:

    • Charles II returned to the throne, reinstating the monarchy.

    • Parliament was restored but continued to struggle with issues of religion and the balance of power with the crown.

  • Key Issues:

    • Attitudes towards Puritans, Catholics, and dissenters.

    • The Test Act of 1673 further restricted rights for non-Anglicans.

The Glorious Revolution

  • Transition of Power:

    • James II's Catholic sympathies and appointment of Catholics to positions sparked opposition.

    • The revolution began with the invitation to William of Orange and Mary.

  • Significant Events:

    • 1689 Bill of Rights established constitutional monarchy.

    • The overthrow of James II marked the end of divine-right monarchy.

John Locke's Political Philosophy

  • Natural Rights:

    • Asserts that government must protect life, liberty, and property.

  • Justification for Rebellion:

    • Locke argued that citizens have the right to overthrow tyrannical governments that infringe upon natural rights.

  • Impact on Government:

    • His ideas laid the groundwork for modern democratic thought and constitutional governance.

The Dutch Republic

  • Political Structure:

    • A republic formed by the seven northern provinces escaping Spanish rule.

    • Power vested in the Estates with a federal assembly for foreign affairs.

  • Economic Success:

    • Dominated shipping and trade through mercantile policies and efficient shipping industries.

    • Tolerated diverse religious and ethnic groups, fostering economic symbiosis and innovation.

Artistic and Cultural Insights

  • Depictions of Puritan Life:

    • Artwork such as portraits and engravings reflect moral values and typical occupations of the time.

  • Dutch Golden Age:

    • Artistic works emphasized themes of family and moral lessons amid societal practices.