England and France (1400-1700)

Contrasting deeply with the middle ages before them, the 300 years from 1400-1700 in England and France were a time of development and change. These years saw the end of the Renaissance, the outcome of the Reformation, and the beginning of the Age of Reason. England, because of its placement on an island, maintained its isolationist policies, at least in regard to other countries in Europe (with the exception of France). However, England scouted out distant parts of the world during this time, and established colonies in the America – colonies they would lose in the 1700’s and 1800’s, due to the revolutions caused by the Age of Reason. France, on the other hand, meddled in the affairs of other European nations, including, but not limited to: England, Germany, Italy, and Spain. France also had colonies overseas in North America. By taking an in depth look at this time period in each country (France, England), similarities and differences become more apparent.