Challenges to Mary

Question 1

Legitimacy

Answer 1

In the 3rd Succession (1543) Mary was like Elizabeth put back into the line of succession but never made legitimate.

Question 2

Gender

Answer 2

She was a woman and inferiors in many of her subjects eyes. Not fit to rule due to being emotional, kinder and weak. The first woman to rule since 1136, this made people nervous.

Question 3

Succession

Answer 3

She was taken out of succession by Edward in the ‘Device’.

Had to face usurper Duke of Northumberland and fight for her place which led to Lady Jane Grey’s execution.

Question 4

Marriage and stability.

Answer 4

She married Phillip II of Spain for a Catholic England but had to protect her power from being overruled by Phillip…

Marriage Treaty 1554
e.g. Phillip could not become king if she died.

Question 5

Primogeniture

Answer 5

Expectation for a male heir to be produced- married Phillip. She did not have any heirs.

Question 6

Religion

Answer 6

She was dedicated to turning England Catholic and bringing back power to the Pope after the Protestant religious changes of Edward and Henry.