Final answer:
The defining events influencing British thought and politics from the late seventeenth to the eighteenth century included the Puritan Revolution, the Glorious Revolution, the Enlightenment, the Great Awakening, and the Industrial Revolution, as well as the political and economic effects of mercantilism and colonial expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The defining events that influenced British thought and politics during the period from the late seventeenth to the eighteenth century were numerous and multifaceted. The late seventeenth century saw the Puritan Revolution, the Restoration of Charles II, and the struggle for political dominance between the Crown and Parliament. This period culminated in the Glorious Revolution and the establishment of the English Bill of Rights in 1689, which influenced political thinking not only in Britain but also in its colonies. The Enlightenment and the Great Awakening also had profound impacts on British colonial society in North America, leading to changes in political thought and social attitudes.During the eighteenth century, the Industrial Revolution brought about significant political and economic impacts. The British Empire's expansionist mercantilist policies, such as the Navigation Acts, aimed to tie the colonies closer to the mother country and led to political unrest. These events set the stage for the colonies' later desire for independence, heavily influenced by the political thoughts of figures like John Locke and the broader geopolitical tensions with European rivals. The mention of British influence in India also signifies the global extent of British economic, military, and political power at this time.