The Elizabethan era, named after Queen Elizabeth I who ruled England from 1558 to 1603, was a time of great cultural and artistic achievements. William Shakespeare's plays, for example, continue to be widely performed and studied today. However, the Elizabethan era was also marked by a deep-seated racism that shaped the lives of many people living in England and its colonies.
One aspect of racism in the Elizabethan era was the exploitation and abuse of indigenous peoples in the Americas and the Caribbean. England, along with other European powers, colonized these regions and established plantations that were worked by slaves, many of whom were brought over from Africa. These slaves were treated as property and subjected to horrific treatment, including physical abuse, sexual assault, and death. The Elizabethan era saw the beginnings of the transatlantic slave trade, which would continue for centuries and have a devastating impact on the African continent.
Another form of racism in the Elizabethan era was the discrimination against people of color who lived in England itself. The Elizabethans believed in the concept of "whiteness," and saw people with darker skin as inferior. This belief was used to justify the exploitation of indigenous peoples and the enslavement of Africans, as well as the discrimination against people of color living in England. Black people, in particular, were often subjected to derogatory slurs and insults, and were often depicted as subhuman in literature and other forms of media.
In addition to these forms of racism, the Elizabethan era also saw the persecution of Jews and other minority groups. Jews had been expelled from England in the 13th century, but some returned during the Elizabethan era and faced discrimination and persecution. The Elizabethans also discriminated against other minority groups, such as Romani people and people with disabilities.
Racism in the Elizabethan era was not just a matter of personal prejudice, but was also institutionalized through laws and policies that discriminated against people of color and minority groups. For example, the Elizabethans passed laws that restricted the rights and freedoms of people of color, and established a system of indentured servitude that was used to exploit and abuse indigenous peoples in the colonies.
Despite these deeply entrenched forms of racism, the Elizabethan era was also a time of progress and change. The Elizabethans were a highly educated and culturally diverse society, and many people were exposed to different cultures and ways of life through exploration and trade. Some Elizabethans, including Queen Elizabeth herself, recognized the injustice of slavery and attempted to address it. In 1601, for example, Queen Elizabeth signed a proclamation that banned the slave trade within the realm of England, and attempted to protect the rights of indigenous peoples in the colonies.
Overall, the Elizabethan era was marked by both great cultural achievements and deeply rooted racism. While progress was made in some areas, the legacy of racism from this time period continues to be felt today.
