Exploration of the"Political Lent" Movement during Early Modern England

Author(s): Chai Bin

Source: World History

Abstract：The Lent,a religious fast originally,was vested with strong political and economic colors and named as "political Lent" in early modern England.In public social life,the Lent was paid attentioned to and highly emphasized by state legislation.In other words,it was politicized and economized by state power.In essence,the "political Lent" was an important part of mercantilist policy of modern England government;a reluctant action forced by inner circumstances of England and pressure from European rivals;the restoration of the common diet tradition before the English Reformation in disguised form.The "political Lent" had certain impacts on both British political and economical lives and daily life of the Englishmen.Firstly,it promoted the development of English fishery;Secondly,it stimulated the expansion of English navigation and navy.Furthermore,it improved the living condition of the poor by means of restricting the consumption of the rich to some extent.Its eventual impact was quite limited by its extremity,expediency and over-ideality.