The Study Of The English Piracy In Elizabethan Age

The Elizabethan age may be said to be the troubled times. In this period, England was on the threshold of the modern times. The newly rising capitalist and the new noble want to trade and expand abroad badly. At the beginning of Elizabeth's accession, she faced with the dilemma that England had never experienced before: the burden of debt that was urgently to be eased, the long-standing threat of war, the crisis of faith that was difficult to overcome, and so on. England was suffering from various strains and conflicts internal and external. In the condition, Government of England took an extraordinary policy in order to surmount crisis. At the same time, the piracy of English Channel offered the government an opportunity. The government of England took advantage of the opportunity to plunder merchants and commerce of the enemies. The overseas voyage and plunder became the marked features of the age.Under the permission and encourage of the queen, the pirates of England voyaged from home water to ocean that was vast and alive with all sorts of temptation. In England piracy played an important role. And it was a mean of gaining treasure and attacking Spain. The queen, merchants, admirals and other groups were the supporters and participants of the plunder. Thanks to the abundant resources, the West Indies became an important area of plunder. With the factors above, piracy of England were more and more flourishing.The piracy produced various influences. The most important one was the England's development. Through plunder, England gained much treasure. It got the growth of capital and the development of the economy. The financial burdens of the crown were eased. Also the piracy brought England the increasing of maritime strength and stimulated the expansion. The national power of England enhance gradually. English popularity was improved.