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We are in the 17th century in the Stuart England, in the era of the settlement of the Americas,
trade with Spice Islands, the birth of steam engines, microscopes, newspapers and coffee
houses. This is the era of Shakespeare, Wren, Galileo,
Newton, and Pepys. War and political conflicts were common throughout
the entire period This era experienced many events and changes.
The gun powder plot, civil and foreing wars, the great plague, the great fire of London,
and the glorious revolution. The English made significant moves overseas
notably in Ireland, north America, India and the Caribbean.
Ireland is England's oldest colony and has been ruled in whole or in part by an English
monarch for over 800 years. Out of 7 rulers of England during this time
there were only two who were decisive and good military leaders and who are hated to
this day in Ireland. They are Oliver Cromwell and William of Orange. Both quelled Irish
uprisings with superior forces showing no mercy for defeated Irish armies or innocent
bystanders mainly because they were Catholic and therefore a hated enemy as were the French
and Spanish who both supported Ireland and could use Ireland as a stepping stone to attack
the hated Protestants in England In Stuart times the emigration from England
to North America's east coast was extraordinary (over 250.000 people) bearing in mind the
perilous sea voyage and the unknown territory. Many travelers were pious religious refugees
as the Stuart Kings were not sympathetic to any religion other than their version of the
official Protestant Church of England, so the many "nonconformist" could not follow
their faith. These religious faithful were directed towards the more northern coast around
present day Boston which was called New England. The other main group were adventurers who
had been sold the idea that gold was to be found in Virginia. Obviously they found no
gold. o During the reign of James I & Charles I,
rights for women did decrease although during the commonwealth era, freedoms for women,
particularly in education increased. However the trade off was theatre, Christmas (which
has its roots in Pagan Roman celebrations) and many frivolities were banned by the Puritans
so this conflicted era limited the freedom of all genders to enjoy themselves.
Religion played an incredibly important role during this time. The Catholic population
who had long been suppressed under the Tudors rebelled early in James I reign, the Gunpowder
plot and Guy Fawkes Day being observed even today. Religion also led to the civil war
and became a frequent conflict throughout the century.
Water was almost never consumed. Bacterial infections and other contaminants were rife
so ale, beer, wine and mixed drinks were consumed instead.