Enumerate the events which influenced Blake‟s political views. (MEG 102) (UNIT 12 WILLIAM BLAKE )

William Blake was deeply influenced by the political events of his time, which shaped his views on society, government, and the role of the individual in the world. Some of the key events that influenced Blake's political views include:

The American Revolution: The American Revolution, which took place from 1765 to 1783, was a turning point in Blake's political consciousness. He supported the revolutionary cause and saw it as an expression of the people's desire for freedom and self-determination.

The French Revolution: The French Revolution, which began in 1789, was another major event that shaped Blake's political views. He initially supported the revolution and saw it as an opportunity for the people to gain more political power and influence. However, he became disillusioned with the revolution's violent excesses and criticized the way it had been co-opted by powerful elites.

The Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution, which began in the late 18th century and continued throughout the 19th century, had a profound impact on Blake's political views. He saw it as a source of social and environmental destruction, and criticized the way it had transformed society into a machine-like system of production and consumption.

The Reign of George III: Blake lived through the reign of King George III, who was known for his conservative political views and his opposition to political reform. Blake was critical of the king's policies and saw him as a symbol of the repressive and authoritarian nature of the British government.

The Napoleonic Wars: The Napoleonic Wars, which began in 1803, were a source of great turmoil and instability in Europe. Blake was critical of the war and saw it as a reflection of the destructive and violent tendencies of human society.

Overall, these events helped shape Blake's political views, which were characterized by a deep suspicion of authority and a belief in the power of the individual to effect change in the world. He saw the political struggles of his time as part of a larger struggle for human liberation and freedom, which he sought to express through his art and poetry.