Final answer:
In Milton's absence, England faced escalating tensions with Spain, which led to increased nationalistic sentiment, especially following Grenville's capture of a Spanish treasure. Additionally, England experienced a profound political shift with the transition to the Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell's Puritan leadership during the Interregnum.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the two years that Milton was away from England, significant political and social changes were taking place. One notable event was the tension between England and Spain, which was already high and continued to escalate. Despite financial strains and domestic turbulence following the Tudor monarchy's religious upheavals, England engaged in various overseas pursuits, such as fishing off the North American coast and the attempts at colonization, including the notable yet ill-fated Roanoke expedition. Grenville was a central figure during this time, capturing a Spanish ship with enormous wealth, which cast him as a hero on his return due to the prevailing anti-Spanish sentiment in England. The period also saw an ideological shift with the execution of Charles I, leading to the Interregnum, a time when England became a republic under the rule of Parliament and Oliver Cromwell. This interval was marked by religious toleration, except for Catholics and had implications for migration and colonization efforts.