Shakespeare - The Historical Background

Shakespeare - The Historical Background

1. society

   • based on rank and status
   • family was emphasized
   • laws = from the bible
   • education
     • boys: languages
     • girls: focus on houswifery (only nobility)

2. economy

   • no money before the reign of Queen Elizabeth
   • mass entertainment was popular
   • beginning of the colonization
   • growth of agriculture = economy boosted
   • gold and silver were brought from Latin America

3. politics

   • rulers of England
     • Queen Elizabeth (1533-1603)
     • King James (1603-1625)
   • Queen was influential for Shakespears plays (advocated freedom)
   • church was more influential compared to the law
   • England became a leading seapower

4. religion

   • Protestantism: established the year before Shakespeare was born
   • large number of Protestants in cities and at the seaports
   • conflicts between Protestants and Catholics