1. The Tudor Dynasty:
- In 1485, Henry VII of the Tudor family defeated Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, marking the beginning of the Tudor dynasty. The Tudor monarchs, including Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, ruled England throughout most of the 16th century.
2. The Renaissance:
- The Renaissance, a cultural and intellectual movement inspired by classical learning and art, was taking place in England. Humanism, the focus on human potential and achievements, and the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Roman texts were significant features of this period.
3. The Reformation:
- King Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon led to the English Reformation in the 1530s. Henry broke with the Roman Catholic Church and established the Church of England, making England a Protestant nation. This religious change had profound social, political, and cultural implications.
4. Exploration and Expansion:
- English explorers, such as John Cabot and Francis Drake, ventured into the Americas, seeking new lands and resources. England began establishing colonies in North America and started to compete with Spain and France for global influence.
5. Wars and Conflicts:
- England was involved in several conflicts during this period, including the Wars of the Roses (1455-1485) between the rival factions of the House of York and the House of Lancaster, as well as wars with Scotland and France.
6. Economic and Social Changes:
- The Tudor period witnessed economic growth, urbanization, and the rise of the merchant class. The enclosure of common lands and the expansion of the wool trade impacted rural communities and led to social tensions.
7. Literature and the Arts:
- English literature flourished during this era, with notable figures such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Thomas More, and William Shakespeare contributing to the development of English drama and poetry.
Overall, while the Aztec civilization was thriving in the Americas, England was experiencing a transformative period marked by political, religious, cultural, and economic changes that shaped the nation's future course.