A history of England principally in the seventeenth century, Volume 2 (of 6)

"A History of England principally in the Seventeenth Century, Volume 2" by Leopold von Ranke is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This volume delves into the intricate political and military events surrounding England during the tumultuous seventeenth century, focusing particularly on the period under King Charles I. The narrative explores significant themes, such as the relationship between England, France, and Spain, and the influential conflicts within Scotland and the broader context of the Thirty Years’ War in Europe. The opening of the book sets the stage for a detailed examination of Charles I’s reign, emphasizing the complexities of his diplomatic relations, especially in light of his attempts to negotiate peace with formidable foes like Spain and France. Ranke introduces the reader to the political landscape, highlighting key figures such as the Duke of Buckingham, whose actions and untimely death significantly impacted England's foreign policy. This opening portion also foreshadows the mounting friction between the monarchy and Parliament, hinting at the civil unrest and conflicts that will arise as a result of Charles I's endeavors to strengthen and assert his authority without parliamentary consent. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Leopold von Ranke was a German historian and a founder of modern source-based history. He was able to implement the seminar teaching method in his classroom and focused on archival research and the analysis of historical documents. Building on the methods of the Göttingen school of history, he was the first to establish a historical seminar. Ranke set the standards for much of later historical writing, introducing such ideas as reliance on primary sources (empiricism), an emphasis on narrative history and especially international politics (Außenpolitik). He was ennobled in 1865, with the addition of a "von" to his name.