God, Glory, and Gold: English Imperial Ambitions Study Notes

Lecture Overview

This lecture focuses on the themes of God, Glory, and Gold in relation to English imperial ambitions, particularly during the Age of Exploration and the subsequent colonization of North America.

Treaty of Tordesillas (1494)

The Treaty of Tordesillas was a significant event in the history of European exploration, negotiated between Spain and Portugal. This treaty effectively divided the newly discovered lands outside Europe between these two powers. The line established by the treaty was drawn in the Atlantic Ocean, with territories to the west belonging to Spain and those to the east to Portugal. This division was marked by the phrase "No Peace Beyond the Line," underscoring the competitive and often violent quest for overseas territories.

Piratical Imperialism

Piratical imperialism refers to the engagement of various nations, particularly the English, in piracy as a means to assert their influence and power in the New World. This period saw notable figures exploiting maritime routes and attacking Spanish fleets, boosting tensions and competition among European colonial powers.

Protestant Reformation

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Martin Luther was a leading figure of the Protestant Reformation. He is best known for his Ninety-five Theses, which criticized the Catholic Church's practices, particularly the sale of indulgences. Luther's central doctrine emphasized:

  • Justification by faith alone: The belief that faith in Jesus Christ is sufficient for salvation, without the need for good deeds.

  • The Bible as the sole authority: Luther advocated that the scriptures should be the only source of religious knowledge, denouncing any materials that would distract from the word of God.

John Calvin (1509-1564)

John Calvin was another pivotal figure in the Protestant Reformation, known for his doctrine of predestination, which postulates that God has already determined who will be saved and who will not, independent of individual actions.

Elizabeth I (1558-1603)

The reign of Elizabeth I marked a significant phase in English history, with her establishing the Anglican Church, also known as the Church of England. Key points include:

  • Completion of the Reformation in England, which helped to moderate tensions between Catholics and Protestants.

  • She faced opposition from the Godly Puritans who sought further reforms in the Anglican Church.

  • Elizabeth also supported acts of piratical imperialism, with actors such as Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh spearheading exploratory missions and colonial endeavors.

Spanish Armada (1588)

The Spanish Armada was a major naval engagement where the notorious Spanish fleet attempted to invade England.

  • This operation marked the high point of Spanish naval power in the Atlantic.

  • Its failure sparked a wave of English "Protestant nationalism," emboldening England's colonial pursuits and establishing it as a formidable maritime power.

English Exploration and Colonization

Motivations for Exploration

The English sought to explore and colonize North America driven by various factors including religious motivation due to the Protestant Reformation, economic opportunities such as raw materials, and the desire to compete with Spanish and Portuguese supremacy in the Americas.

Challenging Iberian Supremacy

England was able to challenge Iberian supremacy through several means, notably:

  • Developing a strong navy exemplified by the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

  • Establishing piracy and privateering as legitimate methods of expanding influence and economic gain.

  • Forming alliances with local tribes and claiming territories.

Imperial Interlopers

Other nations such as France and the Netherlands emerged as players in the Age of Exploration alongside England. Noteworthy explorers associated with these nations include:

  • John Cabot (1497)

  • Giovanni da Verrazzano (1524)

  • Jacques Cartier (1534) for France.

  • John Davis (1587) and Henry Hudson (1609, 1610) for England.

The New World

Key Regions and Territories

  • New France (1645): Covered modern-day Canada and parts of the U.S., illustrating French colonial interests in North America.

  • New Netherland: The Dutch colony represented their efforts in establishing trade, influenced by the fur trade and raw materials.