Early English Society and Reformation - AQA STUART BRITAIN Flashcards
What were changes in economy and population throughout the Tudor period?
The population was rising steadily throughout the Tudor period and this caused an increased strain on resources and food, leading to unemployment and price rises as pressure outstripped supply. Limited records are available for an accurate estimate of population, but the general trend was a rise. While prices rose, (inflation), the real wages fell, (amount that could be purchased).
When did the black death and plague do for the economy, and what were the consequences when population began to rise again? Who suffered?
The black death and plague brought a population decline in the 15th century. This allowed ordinary people to enjoy prosperity with labour shortages and increased wages. Population rise reversed this. Landowners and aristocracy were impacted, as they usually rented out land for long leases rather than being directly involved in agricultural management, and the costs of patronage were heavy. Cottagers and wage labourers suffered.
Which sectors benefited from the rising population during the Tudor period? What changes in class were made, good and bad?
Some sectors benefited. Those who owned land freehold could control costs and price rises benefited them. Food production and profits rose, and with increased need for clothing, the woollen cloth industry boomed and sheep shearing became a highly profitable enterprise. Merchants and gentry were able to grow in the ranks and could become minor gentry, and then increase their wealth and status within the governing class. Henry VIII with financial problems also sold out land for further opportunity. Meanwhile, independently peasantry who rented out land entered the wage labourer class and many within this class became paupers. There was a massive gap between rich and poor.
What was the Poor Law Act of 1601’s impact? Who did the Crown rely more heavily on as a consequence of their loss of power?
In 1601 the Elizabethan Poor Law Act was passed which put financial strain on the monarchy and aristocracy, while the wider elite of lesser nobles and gentry became increasingly wealthy and assertive, and were showing this in Parliament. The Crown required on Parliament increasingly for taxation meaning more meetings, and more power. They feared this rise in power, and so tried to sell monopoly patents and crown land, but this made them even more dependent on Parliament.
What was the poor law?
Many of the poor became study beggars during the Tudor period and moved around searching for work. The Poor Law was introduced to punish those who did this with branding, whipping, and even death, while rewarding those who stayed in their prices with food and money distributed through poor rates from churchwardens. However, mobility was still an issue and population swelled in the magnet for migrants - London.
What were Catholic beliefs in Church?
Christianity in Western Europe was developed under the Catholic Church, centred in Rome and led by the Pope, who claimed to have inherited power given by Christ himself to the disciple Peter. The Church was administered by bishops who received spiritual power from the Pope.
KEY BELIEFS:
Jesus Christ sacrificed himself on the cross for sins.
Humans could repent their sins and believe in Christ in order to reach Heaven after death.
Wearing of vestments and the surplice.
Priests shared the knowledge of Christ’s word and could help human souls.
Power was exercised through ceremonies and sacraments such as Mass and the sacrament of the Eucharist where transubstantiation occurred - Christ’s body was the bread and blood was the wine.
The clergy appointed were of a special order above the laity. The Church had become more powerful and clergy received criticisms of being too self indulgent.
How did sacraments and ceremonies change in a reformed Church?
In reformed Churches, such sacraments with the requirement of a priest were seen as superstitious and Holy Communion was kept as an act of remembrance, alongside Confession requiring the presence of a priest being replaced with private prayer and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Who was Martin Luther and how did he challenge Catholicism?
Martin Luther, a German monk, challenged the Church. His key criticisms were:
Salvation couldn’t be guaranteed by the Church or good works, only by individual faith. God offered it as a gift to those who believed in him and followed Christ.
Belief came through private prayer and the Bible, which should be accessible to all not just scholars and clergy who could read Latin.
Church ceremonies and sacraments only symbolised internal faith and too many encouraged ignorance and superstition.
Priests and laity were equal in God’s eyes.
No justification of authority of the Church.
What was the impact of Luther’s challenges?
Luther was accused of heresy and was protected from being burned alive by authorities through Saxony, where he lived. By 1550, people such as John Calvin were inspired and people became Protestants. In Catholic churches, some abuses were reformed.
What divides in Europe were created and what were consequences?
This created divides in Europe as Catholics gained faith and papal authority. This led to war in Europe and Catholic plots against Queen Elizabeth and James I. Anti-Catholic paranoia commenced among Protestants and by the end of the sixteenth century Europe was divided by militant Protestantism and Catholicism. In England, Germany, Scandinavia, and Netherlands many Protestant Churches formed.
What motivated Henry VIII to pass out Reformation instructions and what was the impact?
In England, Henry VIII completed Reformation instructions. He wanted to gain Church land in order to gain power and wealth, and also to divorce so he could marry Anne Boleyn. In 1534 the Act of Supremacy was passed which declared the King to be Head of the Church, and he could seize land and monasteries, alongside regulating succession to the throne. He had to grant positions of influence in the Church to Protestants and enforced power through statute law.
How did Parliament benefit from the Reformation?
Queen Elizabeth established the Church of England which Parliament was involved in creating through acceptance of statute laws, and they asserted authority and status through modifying arrangements, giving them more influence.
How did Mary increase divides?
Catholic Queen Mary, (1553-8), persecuted Protestants through burning, and also exiling them to Europe where they met other Protestant groups. Alongside this, she was distrusted as she married a Spanish heir to the throne. Protestants relied on the bible for Salvation, causing a variety of beliefs to be established as a consequence.
