English civilization has played a pivotal role in shaping the modern world. From its humble beginnings in the Anglo-Saxon period to its current status as a global cultural and economic force, the story of English civilization is one of resilience, innovation, and adaptation. In this article, we will explore the three major periods of English civilization: Civilisation (865 AD - 1688 AD), Old Empire (1688 AD - 1917 AD), and New Empire (1917 AD - Present and Future). Through this journey, we will uncover the key events, cultural shifts, and enduring legacies that have defined the English-speaking peoples and their impact on the world.
Period 1: Civilisation (865 AD - 1688 AD)
This period marks the birth and development of the English-speaking peoples and their civilization, beginning with Alfred the Great’s rise in 865 AD and concluding with the Glorious Revolution in 1688 AD, often described as a "hostile corporate takeover of the Crown."
Key Historical Events
Alfred the Great (865 AD): Alfred, heir to Wessex, unified Anglo-Saxon kingdoms against Viking invasions. His promotion of education and law, including translations of Latin texts into Old English, laid cultural foundations for English identity.
Norman Conquest (1066 AD): William the Conqueror’s victory at Hastings introduced Norman governance and feudalism, blending Anglo-Saxon and Norman traditions into a distinct English culture.
English Common Law (1154-1189 AD): Henry II, during his long reign, introduced significant legal reforms that formalized and standardized English Common Law.
Magna Carta (1215 AD): Signed by King John, this document curbed royal power and established legal principles, influencing English governance and later constitutional developments.
English Reformation (1534 AD): Henry VIII’s break from Rome created the Church of England, shifting religious and political power and reinforcing English sovereignty.
English Civil War (1642-1651 AD): Conflict between Parliamentarians and Royalists culminated in Charles I’s execution and Oliver Cromwell’s Commonwealth, reflecting struggles over the balance of power.
Restoration (1660 AD): Charles II’s return stabilized the monarchy but retained parliamentary gains, further allowing for a balance of power.
Glorious Revolution (1688 AD): William of Orange’s invasion ousted James II, establishing a constitutional monarchy and marking the end of absolute royal rule.
Cultural and Social Context
Language: Old English evolved into Middle English, with works like Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales reflecting a growing literary tradition.
Society: The feudal system organized life, while common law emerged as a unifying legal framework.
Identity: The English-speaking peoples forged a national identity through resistance to external threats, while slowly working towards internal consolidation.
Period 2: Old Empire (1688 AD - 1917 AD)
This era spans from the Glorious Revolution to the exhaustion of World War I, characterized by the global expansion of English territory and influence.
Key Historical Events
British East India Company and the Bank of England (1600 & 1694 AD): These institutions paved the way for the British Empire to emerge as a global economic power.
Act of Union (1707 AD): England and Scotland united to form Great Britain, amplifying imperial ambitions.
Industrial Revolution (1760-1840 AD): Innovations in science, technology, manufacturing, and transport fueled economic dominance and urban growth.
American Revolution (1775-1783 AD): The loss of the Thirteen Colonies shifted focus to other imperial territories, yet English influence persisted in North America.
Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815 AD): Victory over Napoleon solidified Britain’s naval and global power.
British Empire Peak: Colonization in India, Africa, and Asia spread the English language and governance.
World War I (1914-1917 AD): The war drained Britain’s resources and ended its nobility, marking the Old Empire’s decline as American power rose.
Cultural and Social Context
Colonialism: The English language and common law became global tools, shaping colonies culturally and administratively.
Economy: Industrial wealth created a robust middle class and capitalist system.
Scottish Enlightenment: A focus on education, rational thought, and universities created a highly literate workforce and very capable administrative and intellectual management.
Reforms: The abolition of slavery in 1833 and suffrage movements reflected evolving social values among English-speaking peoples.
Period 3: New Empire (1917 AD - Present and Future)
Beginning with America’s ascent in 1917, having assumed the leading role in English civilization, this period focuses on the restoration and future legacy of English civilization and peoples under American leadership.
Key Historical Events
World War I Aftermath (1917 AD): The U.S. emerged as a world leader, advocating for liberal democracies and signaling a shift from British dominance.
World War II (1939-1945 AD): Allied victory, with significant Anglo-American cooperation, reinforced English-speaking global influence.
Cold War (1947-1991 AD): The U.S. led the West against the Soviet Union, aggressively spreading English language and culture.
Decolonization (1940s-1970s AD): Britain’s empire dissolved, though English remained a lingua franca and common law continued in former colonies.
Modern Era (21st Century): Technological and financial progress, driven by the innovative nature of English-speaking nations and peoples, will shape the future.
Cultural and Social Context
American Influence: History, alternative media, and voices restored English culture and values rooted in rationality, individual sovereignty, and private property resonate.
Globalization: English and common law, facilitating international communication, relations, and trade, enable centuries of growth.
Constitutionality: The return to U.S. Constitutionality, deeply grounded in the principles of English civilization, as updated and modernized, acts as a model and template.
Looking to the Future
The New Empire, only now really emerging, will continue to evolve, with English-speaking peoples driving a future legacy of innovation, individual sovereignty, and collaboration amongst the remnants of the Old Empire. Challenges such as the infiltration of our halls of power by our ancient enemies, control of our economies and futures by Financialists, and the vast numbers of those who must be removed as they can and never will assimilate, are now testing the English civilization. But at more than a thousand years old, having faced it all, the adaptability of our civilization—rooted in centuries of resilience—suggests enduring influence and success into the far distant future.
Not for Everyone. But maybe for you and your patrons?
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