Chaos to Order

Chaos to Order begins with the establishment of the Stuart dynasty under James I in 1603 and ends with the Glorious Revolution of 1688. I have used James’s daughter, Elizabeth, and her son and daughters, Rupert, Elizabeth, and Sophia, to provide a sense of continuity. The chaos referred to in the title reflects the religious/political wars; Thirty Years War and the English Civil War, and the devastating misery they left in their wake. The order in the title reflects the order of absolutism established by Louis XIV, whereby he and he alone, is the decision maker. It also reflects the order in a constitutional monarchy with the ascension of William and Mary and their willingness to uphold the Declaration of Rights. It also covers events in Japan, China, India, the Ottoman Empire, Russia, South Africa, and the American colonies. Within the political framework, the economic, religious, social, scientific, intellectual, and artistic changes of the era are included in the discussions and conversations that take place.