John Donne, a prominent English poet and clergyman, led a life marked by significant personal and professional transitions. Here’s a brief chronological account of his life: ## Early Life and Education John Donne was born in 1572 in London to a Roman Catholic family[1][4]. His father, an ironmonger, died when John was young, leaving him to be raised by his mother, Elizabeth[6]. At the age of 11, Donne entered Oxford University, studying there for three years before transferring to Cambridge University for another three years[6]. ## Legal Studies and Early Career In 1591, Donne entered Thavie’s Inn to train as a barrister[1]. The following year, he was admitted to Lincoln’s Inn to continue his law studies[1]. During this period, he began writing poetry, including his "Satires" and "Songs and Sonnets"[4]. ## Military Service and Government Work In 1596 and 1597, Donne participated in military expeditions against Spain, joining the Earl of Essex’s raids on Cadiz and the Azores[6]. Upon his return, he became private secretary to Sir Thomas Egerton, the Lord Keeper of the Great Seal[6]. ## Marriage and Struggles In 1601, Donne secretly married Anne More, the niece of Lady Egerton[1]. This marriage, conducted without her father’s approval, led to Donne’s brief imprisonment and loss of his position[6]. The couple faced financial difficulties, exacerbated by the birth of many children[4]. ## Literary and Religious Works Despite his struggles, Donne continued to write. He published "Divine Poems" in 1607 and "Pseudo-Martyr" in 1610[4]. These works, particularly "Pseudo-Martyr," helped improve his standing with King James I[1]. ## Ordination and Church Career In 1615, under pressure from King James I, Donne was ordained as a deacon and priest in the Church of England[1][2]. He was appointed Royal Chaplain and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Cambridge University[1]. ## Personal Tragedy and Later Years In 1617, Donne’s wife Anne died while giving birth to their twelfth child, who was stillborn[2][4]. This loss deeply affected Donne, and his later writings often reflected on mortality[4]. ## Final Positions and Death In 1621, Donne was appointed Dean of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a position he held until his death[2][5]. He became known for his powerful and eloquent sermons[7]. John Donne died on March 31, 1631, in London at the age of 59[1][4]. Throughout his life, Donne’s work evolved from witty and sensual love poetry to deeply spiritual religious writings, establishing him as the preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets[5][7]. Sources [1] John Donne Biography/Chronology | Britain Unlimited <https://britainunlimited.com/john-donne/> [2] John Donne | English Poet & Metaphysical Poet | Britannica <https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Donne> [3] John Donne and his time | Timetoast Timelines <https://www.timetoast.com/timelines/107202> [4] About John Donne | Academy of American Poets <https://poets.org/poet/john-donne> [5] John Donne - Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Donne> [6] John Donne biography - Britain Express <https://www.britainexpress.com/History/bio/donne.htm> [7] John Donne summary | Britannica <https://www.britannica.com/summary/John-Donne> --- # Military Service John Donne’s military service was primarily focused on naval expeditions against Spain in the late 16th century. Here are the key details of his military involvement: ## Naval Expeditions In 1596, Donne joined the naval expedition led by Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex, against Cádiz, Spain[1][4][5]. This expedition was successful in its privateering efforts against the Spanish[4]. The following year, in 1597, Donne participated in another naval venture known as the Islands Voyage[1][4][5]. This expedition was led by Sir Walter Raleigh and the Earl of Essex, with the objective of hunting for Spanish treasure ships in the Azores[4]. ## Military Experience and Observations During these expeditions, Donne gained valuable experience and made several observations: 1. He witnessed the loss of the Spanish flagship, the San Felipe, during the Azores campaign[2]. 2. Donne wrote several poems during these military ventures, including "The Calm," which was composed during the Azores expedition[5]. 3. These experiences likely contributed to Donne’s broader worldview and influenced his writing, as he was exposed to different cultures and the realities of naval warfare. ## Political Alignment By participating in these expeditions, Donne aligned himself with energetic and aspiring political forces[3]. However, it’s worth noting that some of the leaders he served under, such as the Earl of Essex and Sir Walter Raleigh, later faced significant political downfalls, with Essex being beheaded and Raleigh imprisoned[3]. Donne’s military service, while relatively brief, played a significant role in shaping his early career and provided him with experiences that would later influence his writing and worldview. Sources [1] The Life and Works of John Donne | PoetrySoup.com <https://www.poetrysoup.com/article/the_life_and_works_of_john_donne-1640> [2] John Donne - Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Donne> [3] John Donne Biography - eNotes.com <https://www.enotes.com/topics/john-donne> [4] John Donne | English Poet & Metaphysical Poet | Britannica <https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Donne> [5] The Life of John Donne (1572-1631) <https://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/donne/donnebio.htm>[](<John Donne’s military service was primarily focused on naval expeditions against Spain in the late 16th century. Here are the key details of his military involvement: ## Naval Expeditions In 1596, Donne joined the naval expedition led by Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex, against Cádiz, Spain[1][4][5]. This expedition was successful in its privateering efforts against the Spanish[4]. The following year, in 1597, Donne participated in another naval venture known as the Islands Voyage[1][4][5]. This expedition was led by Sir Walter Raleigh and the Earl of Essex, with the objective of hunting for Spanish treasure ships in the Azores[4]. ## Military Experience and Observations During these expeditions, Donne gained valuable experience and made several observations: 1. He witnessed the loss of the Spanish flagship, the San Felipe, during the Azores campaign[2]. 2. Donne wrote several poems during these military ventures, including "The Calm," which was composed during the Azores expedition[5]. 3. These experiences likely contributed to Donne’s broader worldview and influenced his writing, as he was exposed to different cultures and the realities of naval warfare. ## Political Alignment By participating in these expeditions, Donne aligned himself with energetic and aspiring political forces[3]. However, it’s worth noting that some of the leaders he served under, such as the Earl of Essex and Sir Walter Raleigh, later faced significant political downfalls, with Essex being beheaded and Raleigh imprisoned[3]. Donne’s military service, while relatively brief, played a significant role in shaping his early career and provided him with experiences that would later influence his writing and worldview. Sources [1] The Life and Works of John Donne | PoetrySoup.com <https://www.poetrysoup.com/article/the_life_and_works_of_john_donne-1640> [2] John Donne - Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Donne> [3] John Donne Biography - eNotes.com <https://www.enotes.com/topics/john-donne> [4] John Donne | English Poet & Metaphysical Poet | Britannica <https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Donne> [5] The Life of John Donne (1572-1631) <https://www.luminarium.org/sevenlit/donne/donnebio.htm>) --- # Spain during Elizabeth I During the reign of Elizabeth I (1558-1603), Spain claimed vast territories across the globe, establishing one of the largest empires in history. The Spanish Empire’s territorial claims during this period included: ## The Americas Spain claimed jurisdiction over extensive areas in the Caribbean, North America, and South America[5]. This included: - Most of South America, with the notable exception of Brazil, which was ceded to Portugal by the Treaty of Tordesillas in 1494[5]. - Central America and large parts of North America, including present-day Mexico and portions of the United States[4]. - The Caribbean islands, including Cuba, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico[3]. ## European Territories Spain’s European holdings during Elizabeth I’s reign included: - The Iberian Peninsula (except Portugal until 1580) - Parts of the Low Countries (present-day Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg)[1]. ## Other Regions Spain also claimed: - The Philippines, which became part of the Spanish Empire in 1565 and was governed as part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain[3]. - Various territories in Africa, although these were limited compared to Portugal’s African holdings[1]. ## Administrative Structure The Spanish Empire was organized into two main viceroyalties during this period: 1. The Viceroyalty of New Spain, established in 1536, with its capital in Mexico City[3]. 2. The Viceroyalty of Peru, founded in 1542, with its seat of government in Lima[3]. These viceroyalties were further divided into audiencias, which were administrative districts governed by royal courts[3]. It’s important to note that while Spain claimed these vast territories, effective control and settlement varied across regions. The empire faced challenges from other European powers, including England under Elizabeth I, who supported privateering activities against Spanish ships and colonies[1][2]. Sources [1] Elizabeth I and the build-up to the Spanish Armada 1588 <https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/blog/curatorial/elizabeth-i-build-spanish-armada-1588> [2] Spanish Armada - Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Armada> [3] Organization of the Spanish Empire in the 16th century <https://www.the-map-as-history.com/Portuguese-and-Spanish-empires-16th-18th-centuries/organization-of-the-spanish-empire-in-the-16th-century> [4] Unit 1 - Spain in the New World to 1600 - National Park Service <https://www.nps.gov/fora/learn/education/unit-1-spain-in-the-new-world-to-1600.htm> [5] Spanish colonization of the Americas - Wikipedia <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_colonization_of_the_Americas>