The Tudors and the Stuarts: Dynastic Struggles and Political Shifts
The Tudor and Stuart periods (1485-1714) were marked by religious upheaval, dynastic change, and the rise of parliamentary power. From Henry VIII's establishment of the Church of England to the political turmoil of the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution, this era reshaped the monarchy, religion, and the nation's identity.
| SN |
Period |
Key Points |
| 1 |
Henry VII and Henry VIII |
- Henry VII secured England post-Wars of the Roses, reduced nobles' power.
- Henry VIII: Broke from Church of Rome, married 6 times.
|
| 2 |
Six Wives of Henry VIII |
- Catherine of Aragon: Divorced
- Anne Boleyn: Executed
- Jane Seymour: Died after giving birth
- Anne of Cleves: Divorced
- Catherine Howard: Executed
- Catherine Parr: Survived
|
| 3 |
Religious Reformation |
- Henry VIII established Church of England.
- Protestant Reformation spread in Europe.
|
| 4 |
Wales and Ireland |
- Wales united with England.
- English attempts to impose Protestantism in Ireland led to rebellion.
|
| 5 |
Edward VI and Mary I |
- Edward VI: Protestant, introduced Book of Common Prayer.
- Mary I: Catholic, persecuted Protestants (Bloody Mary).
|
| 6 |
Elizabeth I |
- Protestant, reestablished Church of England.
- Defeated Spanish Armada.
- Admiral Sir Francis Drake(Navy) played a crucial role in defeating the Spanish Armada in 1588.
- Popular monarch, balanced religious views.
|
| 7 |
Mary, Queen of Scots |
Catholic, executed for plotting against Elizabeth I. |
| 8 |
Exploration and Culture |
- Period of exploration, colonization began.
- William Shakespeare: Famous playwright and poet.
|
| 9 |
James VI and I |
- Elizabeth I's successor, united England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland.
- King James Bible translated.
|
| 10 |
Ireland and Plantations |
English rule extended, Protestant plantations in Ulster. |
| 11 |
Rise of Parliament |
- Elizabeth I balanced power with Parliament.
- James I and Charles I believed in Divine Right of Kings.
|
| 12 |
English Civil War |
- Charles I vs. Parliament, began in 1642.
- Oliver Cromwell led parliamentary forces, England became a republic (Commonwealth).
|
| 13 |
The Restoration |
- Charles II restored as king in 1660.
- Plague and Great Fire of London during his reign.
- Habeas Corpus Act of 1679 established.
- Royal Society founded, scientific advancements.
|
| 14 |
James II and The Glorious Revolution |
- James II's Catholicism led to conflict.
- William of Orange invited to take throne, James II fled.
- William III and Mary II ruled jointly.
- Glorious Revolution affirmed parliamentary power.
- Jacobite support for James II continued.
|
Try Life in the UK