Ep 12. English Constitutionalism - 1649 - 89

Foundations of Western Civilization II: A History of the Modern Western World is a thoughtful and detailed exploration of the events and ideas that have shaped the modern world as we know it. In season 1 episode 12, entitled "English Constitutionalism - 1649-89", viewers are taken on a journey through one of the most important periods in English history, the period known as the English Revolution.

The episode begins with an overview of the political situation in England during the mid-17th century, a time of great social and political upheaval. The monarchy was coming under increasing criticism for its perceived abuses of power, while Parliament struggled to assert its own authority in the face of highly centralized royal power. These tensions came to a head in the English Civil War, which pitted the forces of the monarchy against those of Parliament and ultimately resulted in the execution of King Charles I in 1649.

Following the execution of the king, England was transformed into a republic, known as the Commonwealth. This new system of government, however, was short-lived and was replaced a few years later by the Restoration, in which Charles II was placed on the throne. Despite this seeming setback for the forces of democracy and parliamentary authority, the period of the Restoration saw the consolidation and solidification of many of the gains that had been made during the Civil War and the Commonwealth.

One of the most important achievements of this time was the development of a new form of government, based on the principles of constitutionalism. This system was characterized by a careful balance of power between the executive (the monarch), the legislative (Parliament), and the judiciary (the courts), with each branch of government having well-defined and clearly delimited powers and responsibilities. Additionally, the era of English constitutionalism saw the development of new legal codes, including the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, which granted a range of new civil and political rights to English citizens.

The episode explores the key figures and ideas that contributed to the development of this new system of government, including the political philosopher John Locke, who played a crucial role in outlining the principles of English constitutionalism in his work Two Treatises of Government. Other key figures discussed include the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell, who ruled England during the period of the Commonwealth, and the political theorists James Harrington and Algernon Sidney, who also made important contributions to the development of the new system of government.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a wealth of historical detail and analysis, with expert commentators weighing in on the significance of the events and ideas being discussed. The show does an excellent job of bringing the often-abstract concepts of political theory to life, making them relevant and engaging for a modern audience.

In all, "English Constitutionalism - 1649-89" is a fascinating and informative look at one of the key periods in English history, and an important period in the development of Western political thought more generally. Anyone with an interest in the history of political philosophy, constitutionalism, or the development of modern democratic institutions will find plenty to enjoy in this insightful and engaging episode.