Chapter 5　England Under the Tudors

The year 1485is commonly accepted today as the beginning of a new historical era.English children are commonly told that the Middle Ages ended in 1485，when the Wars of the Roses were over and the House of Tudor ascended the throne in the person of King Henry Ⅶ.The Tudor family ruled England from 1485to 1603.It was notable for its abilities.Under the Tudors，England became a national state with an efficient centralized government.The Tudor Monarchy，being in the transitional stage from feudalism to capitalism，witnessed many important political，economic and social changes.It reformed church in England and tolerated enclosures¹.It was during the Tudor Monarchy that America was discovered and the Renaissance spread into England.The Tudors also stimulated English commercial and maritime enterprise，under them England rose to one of its highest points of power and influence.