Absolutism & Constitutionalism (Cultural/Intellectual)
Literature like the Anglican Book of Common Prayer by Archbishop Canterbury William Laud and Leviathan was written in order to change the ways of political thinking. Laud tried to form a prayer book for a church organization in Scotland, imposing views on them and failed, since the Presbyterian Scots revolted. Thomas Hobbes' views were not popular either within England-- instead, there was a republican government.
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| Peter Paul Rubens |
Peter Paul Rubens
A devout Catholic, Peter Paul Rubens was an artist who helped the Baroque movement reach its maturity. He had a distinctive colorful style, with sharp contrasts commonly seen in this paintings. He glorified many monarchs like Queen Mother Marie de’ Medici in France.
"The Book of Common Prayer" by Laud
Archbishop William Laud of Canterbury published a series of Anglican prayer books in order to reform Scottish church organization titled “The Book of Common Prayer.” Following the break with Rome, Laud wrote the original book that started the series as a product of the English Reformation. As a result, the Presbyterian Scottish people were dissatisfied with these books and revolted.
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"Leviathan" by Thomas Hobbes |
"Leviathan" by Hobbes
Philosopher Thomas Hobbes wrote this treatise in order to create a social contract for the members of society. According to “Leviathan”, they needed to follow the rule of an absolute monarch without disagreements and revolts. Hobbes held a pessimistic view of humans, as he believed they would jump at any chance for competition and violence.
Johann Sebastian Bach
A famous Baroque musician only appreciated after his death, Bach was a brilliant composer who wrote concertos, cantatas, and waltzes. He wrote for the organ and harpsichord, and was the choirmaster of several Lutheran churches in Germany.
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| The Glorious Revolution chart by William of Orange |
Glorious Revolution
One king dethroned the other without much bloodshed to spawn this revolution, along with the fact that the idea of “divine monarchy” was forever destroyed. As William and Mary took over and accepted the throne from Parliament, the revolution established that the power would be divided between the Parliament and the king— the king would rule with consent of the governed.
Bill of Rights
In the Bill of Rights, Parliament needed to be called every three years— laws created by the Parliament also could not be denied or suspended by the king. The Bill greatly detracted from the rights of Catholics, as they were not allowed to possess arms, inherit the throne, or have freedom of worship.
"Second Treatise of Civil Government" by Locke
John Locke maintains in the “Second Treatise of Civil Government” that a government who goes beyond protecting natural rights like life, liberty, and property becomes tyrannical. He emphasized that all men have inherent rights— “natural rights” since everyone has the ability to reason.
Puritan dissatisfaction
In the early 1700s, many Puritans felt discontent with the Church of England which had been reformed by Elizabeth— they felt as though the Reformation could have been taken several steps further. They sought to change nuptial ceremonies and purify the Anglican Church, ridding it of Catholic elements.
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