Edward VI Economic Changes

Question 1

What 3 economic factors brought discontent during Somerset’s period of rule?

Answer 1

Taxation
Agrarian issues, particularly enclosure and harvest failure
Inflationary pressures

Question 2

Why did inflation increase under Somerset?

Answer 2

He continued Henry’s disastrous policy of debasing the coinage to finance the war against Scotland
Poor harvest in 1548

Question 3

What did John hales argue about enclosure?

Answer 3

It was the root cause of many of the country’s social and economic problems

Question 4

Under John hales’ influence what did Somerset set up?

Answer 4

A commission to investigate the problem of enclose

Question 5

What were positive and negative about Somerset’s enclosure commission?

Answer 5

+ enclosure Commissioners were appointed

- raised expectations of the poor

Question 6

How was Somerset’s Scottish war financed?

Answer 6

Land sales

Borrowing

Question 7

What was the aim of Somerset’s sheep tax?

Answer 7

To deter enclosure

Created huge financial pressure on small farmers in upland areas who relied on sheep for subsistence

Question 8

How did Northumberland stabilise national finances?

Answer 8

Ended wars against Scotland and France
Increased revenue from the church by unscrupulous methods including the melting down of church plate for bullion
Commission produced an analysis of the shortcomings in royal financial administration. Plans made for the streamlining of financial administration