Early Elizabethan Economic, Social and Religious Developments Flashcards
Why was the English economy troubled at Elizabeth’s accession to the throne? - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
Bad harvests, high mortality rates, high taxation and a cut in real wages all created widespread panic and social instability at the start of Elizabeth’s reign.
When was the Statute of Artificers passed? What measures did this set out? - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
The Statute of Artificers was passed in 1563. This set out for compulsory labour during harvest times, a minimum period of one year for the hire of workmen to create labour stabilities and the setting of a maximum wage rate by JPs in each county to keep these regulated.
What were the deserving poor? What were the undeserving poor? - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
The deserving poor were those seeking work or too old/young/ill to be able to work. The undeserving poor were those that society considered to be beggars or vagrants.
What impacts had reforms to the church had on poor relief? - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
The reforms to the church through the dissolution of monasteries and other religious institutions had meant that many institutions offering poor relief had been lost, meaning alternative means were needed.
What concerns did William Cecil have over the vagrancy situation early in Elizabeth’s reign? - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
Cecil was concerned that Elizabeth’s early reign would result in widespread vagrancy and homelessness in the countryside, with these people moving into urban areas and creating a collapse of all social stability.
What action did Elizabeth take to attempt to solve issues with the currency? What were impacts of this? (Positive and Negative) - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
Elizabeth withdrew all debased coins from circulation early in her reign, replacing these with soundly minted coins. This did result in some people losing money as a result, however it resulted in the value of the currency being stabilised and preventing major inflation.
How many Marian bishops remained in office following Elizabeth’s alterations to religion? What does this indicate? - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
Only 1 Marian bishop remained in office following Elizabeth’s religious reforms, indicating that Elizabeth’s shift back towards Protestantism was unpalatable to the Catholics of Mary’s reign.
Who did Elizabeth appoint to be Archbishop of Canterbury? What was significant about this individual? - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
Elizabeth appointed Matthew Parker to be Archbishop of Canterbury, who had previously served as chaplain to the extremely Protestant Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth’s mother. He was also a married clergyman.
What was Elizabeth’s view of her religious settlement? - Early Economic, Religious and Social Impacts
Elizabeth believed that her religious settlement defined the relationship between the Crown and the Church, creating a conclusive doctrine.
