ID: 76435 Paper Type: Pages:

ID: 76435 Paper Type: Pages: 4 Topic: Britain 1603-1714 Citation Style: APA Bibliography: 0 Due: 2007-05-01 16:00:00 Worth: $36.00

Info: open to all writers! I would like a 4 pagae response essay of A Monarchy Transformed: Britain 1603-1714. If quotes are used, please only use this book. A Monarchy Transformed: Britain 1603-1714 Response Paper

The Stuart monarchy went through many political shifts in the period from 1603-1714 and understanding these changes from a general, historical, and through an interesting narrative helps one to understand the rise of Britain as a military power. It is surprising that the islands that made up Britain rose to become a power through the Stuart Monarchy as Great Britain, by 1714, was a power on all levels. Therefore, A Monarchy Transformed: Britain 1603-1714, by Kishlansky, is an interesting and comprehensive work that helps to illustrate the important political notions that influenced Great Britain. Beginning in 1603, "over 80 percent of the English population lived in the countryside," the book begins illustrating, by the end just how far England and thus Great Britain under the Stuart Monarchs developed during this period which witnessed both absolute rule and revolution (Kishlansky 1996). This is an interesting period of British history that not only redefined Great Britain, but redefined the world as by the 18th century, Great Britain was a world power who would influence all the continents on the globe. In particular, the 17th century was probably the most interesting of all in British history; it is fitting that an equally interesting book was written about it. This was because the rise of the Stuarts coincided with the end of the Elizabethan Era meaning that it would be a major change for England. Not only a small political change, but Scotland and England would unite. But the rule of James I, who came to power from the Scottish throne after Elizabeth, is also intriguing for the conflicts he caused with Parliament. While finances were becoming a strain on the new United Kingdom as the 30 years war loomed on the horizon, James I was unwilling the let Parliament intervene with foreign policy, thus setting the stage for future conflict between the King and the House of Commons. This also suggests the important rule of the monarchy, and this will be a theme for Great Britain as the monarchy transforming meant the country would transform. The political aspects of change would equate to aspects touching on all of people's lives. But Kishlansky's work is a work about the political aspects of England, and is not a depiction of the changes within the social life. For instance, he goes into detail of the major actors of the Civil War- but not too much detail. Without making bold statements, Kishlansky is able to cover the complexities of the English Civil War and the reign of Charles' I. The end of the British Monarchy- if only for a short time- is probably the most interesting aspect of the Stuart period as it is Britain's turn first to make noise with revolution. This perhaps shows the political advancement of the British political system as Charles I could not keep Parliament under his thumb. The monarchs are always trying to expand their power, at least prior to the Civil War, so it is fitting and nearly shocking that the people were able to fight back. Religious issues were also highly significant in 17th century Britain, meaning the monarchs politics were defined heavily with their relationship to their religion. For example, Charles' designs on the British Church during his era of personal rule show the importance of religion to the political transformation of the British Monarchy. Particularly interesting is Charles II more effective, but nevertheless troublesome relationship with Parliament. While he, like his father, opposed Parliamentarian intervention, he did not go too far in causing public opposition and made sure to oppose Parliament in the right area. He shows the ability of a monarch to successfully rule as a monarch if there is an understanding of the bigger picture. But of course, after his father was executed, Charles II had a greater understanding of the risks involving popular opposition and thus was more effective in his ability to rule with Parliament. It seems surprising that while the events of the 17th Century can be so clear, they leave much to interpretation. The events depicted in A Monarchy Transformed are exceptionally clear, such as the Great Fire of London or the Gunpowder Plot, and they help to lead into the narrative which is what is really important, because it is necessary to know the political story before history can be told. The work begins with two overview chapters which help to put the social and political context in perspective before jumping into the narrative. It would perhaps be helpful for a more fitting overview, but that does not detract from the effective narrative in bringing the political details of the British monarchy to life. The Stuart dynasty is accurately, informatively, and with great attention to readability, made clear as to their place in British history and the political events in which they partook. There is so much history to the Stuart dynasty as the power of the Monarchy was in constant flux. In A Monarchy Transformed: Britain 1603- 1714, Kishlansky understands this and not only does not delve into every subject, but prepares the reader for the vast resources available on the Stuarts through a detailed and suggestive further reading section. This means that Kishlansky understands where his work fits into the reading and also that he does not intend to do too much with A Monarchy Transformed. Instead, he gives an overview of the political aspects of the monarchy without unnecessary aspects and areas which are touched on by other research. The Stuart dynasty is being recognized for its importance and therefore the literature is growing. It is without a doubt an important period in the history of England- with countless crises. The secession of Anne, for instance, again highlights the importance of religion within the monarchy and in Great Britain. James II was deposed because he was a Catholic, thus illustrating the nature of the monarchy and influence of religion in political life. Furthermore, Anne also ruled during another interesting event, that being the rise of a two party system in Great Britain with the Whigs and the Tories. This is another important event in the history of England and in the development of politics throughout the world, and this would come to be a factor in Great Britain for many years. A two party system would be a cornerstone of democracy as a result. Anne also had to struggle politically to bring Scotland under control, but the threats and forceful measures were effective and this illustrates the role of the monarch in achieving his or her goals and aims. The position did not die with the Stuart dynasty, but just transformed thus transforming England and all of Great Britain in the process. A very interesting read, bringing to life the politics of the Stuart dynasty and one of the most important centuries in all of history, A Monarchy Transformed: Britain 1603-1714 is a fitting an interesting look into the shifts of the British monarchy from James I until Anne. While the events in England are probably given too much attention as this was a time that Britain was expanding throughout the world and engaging in war on the continent, the political aspects are of interest. It is with no questioning why this period is known as the long 17th century because so much happened during it. While the work covers 113 years, it is roughly a century and a century in which England leaves the medieval Elizabethan era, goes through personal rule, Civil War, and comes out with new colonies, new intellectual activity, new economic superiority, and as a military power in the world. After understanding the transformation of the monarchy during this period, it is clear how the new role of the monarch meant a new England. Without touching on every subject, Kishlansky in A Monarchy Transformed: Britain 1603-1714, is able to create an interesting and informative historical narrative on the changes of Great Britain's most important political entity: the crown. The 17th century was long for a reason- because so much happened- and Kishlansky is effective in disseminating the importance of the events without them getting lost in detail.