The Study Of The Merchants’ Social Status In Transition Period Of England

The time span from16thto18thcentury is the transitional period of England fromfeudal society to capitalist society. In particular, the prosperity of the commercepromote the progress of society. More and more people investing commerce, because ofits considerable profits, make the merchant class’ force to grow. The rise of themerchant class break the controlling by the traditional aristocratic in social affairs,provides an opening for social transformation.In this article, I attempts to analysis the contribution of the merchant class on therestructuring of British society. First, the formation of the merchant class. From thesocial environment of the merchant class, the author analyzes the historical backgroundof the rise of English merchant class, how to form the merchant class in the commercialbackground, and the businessmen’s balance of force in society. Second, the merchantclass effects in the economic development. The capital from merchant wealth, investsthe industry to promote industrial development. Third, the influence of the merchant inthe politics. This has an effect on social and political life after the formation of themerchant class, to achieve the purpose of social political change. Fourth, the change ofthe businessmen social image. Businessmen have an impact on social life afterobtaining personal success, and set up the good social image. The contribution of thebusinessmen on the social and public utilities, makes up for the lack of investment in thestate of social and public utilities.In short, the rise of the merchant class and various aspects influence on society,play a promoting role on the successful transition of British society.