1. The Puritan Era: The Second Globe Theatre was closed in 1642 due to the growing influence of the Puritans in England. The Puritans, a religious group known for their strict moral views, strongly opposed theatre and other forms of entertainment. They believed that theatre was sinful and corrupted public morality. Under the Puritan government, many theatres, including the Second Globe, were closed or demolished.
2. The English Civil War: The closure of the Second Globe Theatre also coincided with the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642. During this period of political turmoil and conflict, the theatre industry suffered greatly. Many actors and theatre personnel joined the opposing forces, and public interest in attending plays declined. The political instability and disruption caused by the civil war further contributed to the closure of theatres.
3. The Licensing Act: In 1737, the British Parliament enacted the Licensing Act, which placed strict regulations and restrictions on the theatre industry. The act required all theatrical productions to be approved by the Lord Chamberlain, a government official who had the power to censor plays and prohibit performances deemed inappropriate or offensive. This act made it difficult for theatres to operate freely and further limited the growth and development of the theatre industry in England.