| When Queen Elizabeth died in 1603 without leaving a direct heir, the throne of England went to James VI of Scotland, the son of Mary Stuart and her second husband, Lord Darnley. He became the first of the Stuart Kings of England, ruling both countries as James VI of Scotland and James I of England. James showed a belief in the divine right of kings to rule and in the subjection of Parliament to the king’s will. Elizabeth used to avoid conflict between Parliament and king, while James thought that Parliament had to do king’s will.
In this period society is divided into 2 groups:
-Puritans: A very large part of the British Middle classes despised the way of living of the aristocracy who were considered frivolous, superficial and lazy. A large part of the Middle classes(that wear long trousers), influenced by Calvin sought for more sobriety, propriety and earnestness. Puritans were more sober than cavaliers: they dressed in a simple way, with brown or grey or black dresses. The prayer, by reading the Bible, and work, according to the model “Ora et labora”, were very important for Puritans. Also their houses were very simple, as modest as possible. Puritans’ women dressed in a simple way and they often covered up her hair as a sign of modesty.
-Cavaliers: They are all the aristocratic; they defend the king. They dressed up in a very elegant, extravagant and expensive way: they wore expensive clothes made of velvet, silk, taffeta, laces, gold, big leather boots, large bright mantles and they wore also weapons and swords. The hair were long and curly, otherwise they put on wigs. Horse racing, hunting and all forms of entertainment were important for Cavaliers.
In France, the French court is on the dynasty of Lewis’ kings and they wore in a gorgeous way.
Parliament was made of the Chamber of Lords and the Chamber of Commons. They inherit the title from father to son, but there are also some bishops nominated by the king. The Chamber of Commons was composed of Middle class people, and some representatives of boroughs. Only men have the right of vote, they could vote only if they had lands. There are small landowners, artisans, merchants, industrialists, professionals(Lawyers, judges, doctors) and they wanted to make themselves heard(to have an influence). The Christian could not lend money in interests because it was forbidden, while in Flanders it is allowed. The first bank opened in 18th Century and the Jewish had the control.
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