United Kingdom’s Golden Age: The Tudor Era and the Birth of Modern England

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The Tudor Era of the United Kingdom, which took place between the late 15th century and the early 17th century, is widely regarded as one of the most significant periods in English history. This era saw the birth of modern England, a time when the UK established itself as a major world power. Many crucial events and changes occurred during this time, including religious reform, exploration and colonization, and artistic flourishing.

Tudor Era began with the accession of Henry Tudor, or Henry VII, in 1485. He founded the House of Tudor and ended the Wars of the Roses, which had devastated England for over three decades. Henry VII worked hard to establish stability in the country and lay the foundations for the Tudor dynasty’s success. He also commissioned voyages of discovery, establishing trade routes with countries all over the world. His son, Henry VIII, would continue these efforts to establish England as a dominant world power.

Henry VIII is perhaps best known for his six marriages and his turbulent relationship with the Catholic Church. In 1534, he declared himself the head of the Church of England, breaking with Rome and starting religious reform in England. His actions led to the dissolution of the monasteries and the confiscation of their property, ultimately creating a mass redistribution of wealth within England. Despite his troubled personal life, Henry VIII’s reign saw numerous cultural and artistic achievements, including the works of William Shakespeare and the establishment of new theatre companies.

After Henry’s death in 1547, his son Edward VI took the throne, but he died young, and his sister Mary took over. Mary was a devout Catholic and persecuted Protestants, earning her the nickname “Bloody Mary.” Upon her death in 1558, Elizabeth I, a Protestant, ascended the throne. Elizabeth was a strong and wise ruler, managing to maintain political stability despite constant threats from loyalists to Mary, Scotland, and Spain. Her reign, which lasted over four decades, saw significant expansion of the English empire, including the colonization of the New World and the establishment of East India Company.

The Tudor Era was a time of great literary and artistic achievements as well. Literary figures like Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund Spenser emerged during this time, and the University of Oxford saw its golden age under the patronage of Elizabeth I. It was also an era of exploration and adventure, with Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake undertaking voyages of discovery and colonization.

In conclusion, the Tudor Era of United Kingdom’s history was a time of great change and transition. The reign of the Tudor dynasty saw significant reforms and accomplishments that helped lay the foundations for modern England. The Tudor period was overall marked by a surge in artistic creativity, political stability, and economic expansion, making it one of the most significant eras in English history.
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