Religion and Governance in England's Emerging Colonial Empire, 1601-1698

This book explores the role of religion in England's overseas companies and the formation of English governmental identity abroad in the seventeenth century. It offers a comparative global assessment of the links between the formation of English overseas government and various models of religious governance.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 08 January 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This open-access book delves into the intricate relationship between religion and England's overseas companies in the seventeenth century, shedding light on the formation of English governmental identity abroad. By examining the Virginia, East India, Massachusetts Bay, Plymouth, New England, and Levant Companies, the book offers a comprehensive global analysis of the interconnectedness between the establishment of English overseas governments and diverse models of religious governance across England's burgeoning colonial empire. While these governance approaches varied among the companies, they all aimed to regulate the behavior of their personnel and the diverse communities and faiths under their jurisdiction. This book serves as a vital reassessment of the seventeenth-century foundations of British imperial governance, providing valuable insights into the complex interplay between religion, politics, and empire-building in this historical era.

Introduction:
The seventeenth century witnessed a significant expansion of England's colonial empire, marked by the establishment of numerous overseas companies. These companies played a crucial role in the country's economic and political interests, as they sought to exploit new markets, trade goods, and exert influence in foreign territories. At the same time, religion played a prominent role in shaping the identity and governance of these companies. This book aims to explore the role of religion in England's overseas companies and the formation of English governmental identity abroad in the seventeenth century.

The Role of Religion in England's Overseas Companies:
Religion played a multifaceted role in the operations of England's overseas companies. Firstly, it served as a source of moral and ethical guidance for the personnel involved in these ventures. The companies were often staffed by individuals from diverse religious backgrounds, and the religious teachings of their respective denominations provided a framework for moral behavior and decision-making. Secondly, religion was used as a tool for regulating the behavior of the communities and faiths within the companies' jurisdiction. The companies sought to maintain order and stability in their territories, and religious laws and customs were often employed to achieve this goal. For example, the East India Company, which operated in India, relied on Hindu law and customs to govern its territories and maintain peace among the various religious groups.

Thirdly, religion played a role in shaping the political identity of the English government abroad. The companies were often granted exclusive trading rights and other privileges by the host governments, and they used these privileges to establish themselves as important players in the local political landscape. The religious beliefs and practices of the English government were often reflected in its policies and interactions with the local populations. For example, the Plymouth Company, which established a colony in North America, adopted the Puritan religious beliefs and practices of its founders, and these beliefs were reflected in the colony's laws and governance.

Comparative Global Assessment:
To provide a comprehensive assessment of the role of religion in England's overseas companies, the book draws on research into various companies. These include the Virginia Company, the East India Company, the Massachusetts Bay Company, the Plymouth Company, the New England Company, and the Levant Company. By comparing the governance models and religious practices of these companies, the book offers a comparative global analysis of the inextricable links between the formation of English overseas government and various models of religious governance across England's emerging colonial empire.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book explores the complex relationship between religion and England's overseas companies in the seventeenth century. It demonstrates how religion played a crucial role in shaping the governance, behavior, and political identity of these companies. By examining the diverse models of religious governance across England's colonial empire, the book offers valuable insights into the seventeenth-century foundations of British imperial governance. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of religion in shaping the modern world and provides a valuable resource for scholars and researchers interested in the history of colonialism and religious governance.

Weight: 406g
Dimension: 149 x 210 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030701338
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022