Just How Much of a Hellhole Was 1600s England? - Season 1 Episode 1

Insane crime rates in the 1600s? Disappearing forests? Pirates? Icebergs? The throne of England in deep debt? In this episode of 'Why Wars Happened,' we examine 1500s and 1600s England, where wood was as essential as water. With forests shrinking and demands rising, England faced severe resource shortages. As wars with France and Spain drained the treasury, the population doubled, leading to job scarcity and soaring food prices. Crime rates skyrocketed, and harsh social welfare laws emerged. Desperation pushed England to the New World, ultimately founding Jamestown in 1607. Get ready for a historical journey with a touch of humor!

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What was a bigger cause of crime? Population increase or wage decrease?

What else could the English have used to build things other than wood?

Why didn't Parliament put wage laws in place to combat the poverty caused by wage decreases?

Comment your thoughts below!

00:00 Introduction to Why Wars Happened

00:15 Setting the Stage: England in the 1500s

01:26 The Dwindling Forests and Economic Pressures

02:28 England's Maritime Challenges and Conflicts

08:47 Population Boom and Economic Strain

13:55 The Poor Laws and Social Welfare

17:40 Crime and Desperation in Early 1600s England

18:26 The New World: A Solution to England's Problems?

20:03 Jamestown: The First Permanent English Colony

20:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

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