ABSTRACT
The Civil Wars had many unfortunate social effects. Political integrity degenerated under the influence of war and confiscation of property. To see-John Locke in the context of the fevered and violent period of history – a time of cynicism, extravagance, corruption, and immorality – is to understand better his ideas and attitudes - his hatred of religious and political intolerance, and his belief in reason and in reasonableness as the right approach to human problems. As the French armies entered the territory of Holland, a political revolution in that country re-established the Stadtholder-ate under William of Orange. Lord Shaftesbury, after his dismissal from the Chancellorship, had a pretty shrewd notion of the king’s secret designs, went over into political opposition, and became the leader of the new Whig party, proclaiming himself the champion of toleration and the liberties of the people.
