The Elizabethan Age (1485-1625)

$1485$ : Henry VII became king, ending the Wars of the Roses.
$1509$ : Henry VII's reign concluded, leading to peace.
Henry VIII established the Church of England in the $1530$ s after the Pope refused to annul his marriage.
Elizabeth I's reign ( $1558$ - $1603$ ) marked the Elizabethan Age, noted for literature.
$1603$ : James I united Britain under the Stuart family until $1625$ .

Global Power and Religion

Economic transition from feudalism to banking and trade.
John Cabot's exploration laid claims in North America; Columbus arrived shortly after Henry VII.
Protestant Reformation challenged Catholic authority.
England gained naval supremacy after defeating the Spanish Armada in $1588$ .
East India Company established on $December 31, 1599$ , marking the start of global trade.

Social Life and the Renaissance

London thrived with a population of over $100,000$ , including $12,000$ poor.
Renaissance emphasized a revival of science, art, and learning from classical antiquity.
The Thames facilitated commerce and entertainment.
Elizabeth I reorganized Oxford and Cambridge in $1571$ .

Development of Elizabethan Literature

Predominance of poetry, early prose; acting companies promoted writing.
Key authors: Marlowe, Spenser, Lyly, Sidney, Raleigh, Jonson.
Notable early plays included Nicholas Udall's Ralph Roister Doister and Thomas Sackville's Gorboduc.

The Shakespearean Theater

The Globe Theatre hosted about $2,000$ people, featuring distinct stage elements and audience engagement.
No women acted; male performers filled all roles.
Performances spanned approximately $2$ hours with lengthy scripts.

The Tragedy of Macbeth

Likely written in $1606$ , based on Holinshed's Chronicles, focusing on Macbeth's ambition and downfall.
Banquo's portrayal honored King James I, linking him to Macbeth.

Questions & Discussion

Q: Current events that reflect themes of loyalty and ambition?
A: The text prompts readers to connect Macbeth's themes to modern issues.