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(Neo)Classicism: historical and cultural background

The (Neo) Classical period in 18th century Britain was influenced by important historical and cultural
changes. We’ll talk about how it was shaped by events like the English Civil War, the Restoration, and the
Glorious Revolution.

There was an interregnum. During that interregnum, England was under the rule of Parliament and Lord
Protector Oliver Cromwell. In the 17th century, England went through turbulent changes. The
Restoration of 1660 marked the return of King Charles Stuart and the monarchy after the civil war and
unrest. People hoped that he would bring order and stability.However, there were religious
disagreements. The return of the monarchy also meant the return of the Anglican Church as the main
religion. Although the king himself was more tolerant of other beliefs, church leaders were not. Laws
restricted religious gatherings outside the Anglican Church, leading to the dismissal of many clergymen.

During the Restoration, a significant political change was the Test Act of 1673. This act required that
anyone in civil or military positions had to follow the Anglican Church and reject certain beliefs like
transubstantiation. The Test Act excluded Protestant Dissenters and Roman Catholics from public life,
highlighting the religious and political divisions of the time. These divisions led to the formation of two
political parties: the Tories, who supported the king, and the Whigs, who opposed the monarchy.

The Glorious Revolution of 1688 brought in the Protestant Dutch leader William of Orange, also known as
William III, to replace James II as the king. This significant event marked a shift towards constitutional
monarchy and the limitation of royal powers. The Bill of Rights in 1689 confirmed that Parliament had
the highest authority, protected individual rights, and upheld the rule of law, making the British
constitution more solid.
The (Neo)Classical period witnessed significant social reforms and the growth of civil society. The spirit
of philanthropy and religious revival, like Methodism, inspired movements to make society better.
Actions to end the slave trade and the Toleration Act, which gave some religious freedom to Dissenters,
were major reforms that showed a move towards more inclusivity.

The Hanoverian dynasty, beginning with George I, brought a new era to British politics. Robert Walpole,
often seen as the first "prime" minister, played a crucial role in strengthening his authority by using
patronage and financial rewards for members of the House of Commons. This changed the power
dynamics and led to the formation of a cabinet government.

The (Neo) Classical era in Britain emerged during a time of significant historical and cultural changes,
including the English Civil War, the Restoration, and the Glorious Revolution. It was a period of political
shifts, social improvements, and the growth of civil society. These historical events and cultural shifts
formed the basis for the (Neo) Classical movement, which stressed reason, order, and a return to classical
values in literature, art, and architecture.