Revolutionary England Text Discussion

Respond to the following sets of questions (each with a 8 sentence, minimum, answer) below:

-Who were the authors of these texts (make reasoned speculations)? What kind of people were they (status, identity, etc.)? When were these texts written? What kind of texts are they (e.g. diary? pamphlet? law code? secondary scholarly source?)? What are each of these texts “doing” (What are these texts describing? What are these texts arguing? Why would the author write these texts?)?

-What are the larger social problems that these texts show? How would you describe the problems of the Reformation in England? Specifically about the Quakers, how does this show an inversion of the logic of puritanism?

-For Hobbes specifically: who, according to Hobbes, caused the civil wars? how? why? how is this analysis of religious politics unique in comparison to what we’ve seen before?

Republican England Text Discussion

Respond to the following sets of questions (each with a 8 sentence, minimum, answer) below:

-Who were the authors of these texts (make reasoned speculations)? What kind of people were they (status, identity, etc.)? When were these texts written? What kind of texts are they (e.g. diary? pamphlet? law code? secondary scholarly source?)? What are each of these texts “doing” (What are these texts describing? What are these texts arguing? Why would the author write these texts?)?

-In what ways do the variety of positions (Presbyterian, Cromwellian, Leveler) reflect puritan concerns about government in church and state? What are the problems in England and what are the solutions? What should the basis of English society be so as to best secure peace and freedom?

Civil Wars Text Discussion

Respond to the following sets of questions (each with a 8 sentence, minimum, answer) below:

-Who were the authors of these texts (make reasoned speculations)? What kind of people were they (status, identity, etc.)? When were these texts written? What kind of texts are they (e.g. diary? pamphlet? law code? secondary scholarly source?)? What are each of these texts “doing” (What are these texts describing? What are these texts arguing? Why would the author write these texts?)?

-What were the various divisions that wracked England (theological? political? etc.)? How do these authors (or the data) reveal these divisions? What were these divisions over? Why was division imagined to be so disastrous for England?

Early Stuart Text Discussion

Respond to the following sets of questions (each with a 8 sentence, minimum, answer) below:

-Who were the authors of these texts (make reasoned speculations)? What kind of people were they (status, identity, etc.)? When were these texts written? What kind of texts are they (e.g. diary? pamphlet? law code? secondary scholarly source?)? What are each of these texts “doing” (What are these texts describing? What are these texts arguing? Why would the author write these texts?)?

-How did the Stuart monarchy present itself? Was this a novelty or continuity with the Tudor state? And what issues did critics take with particular form of royalty? (Hint: Read Vox Populi carefully, and ask yourself how an English preacher was able to listen in on a secret meeting of Spanish ambassadors?)

-What sort of reforms was Laud implementing? How new were they? Why would puritans be especially angry with them?