Edwardian Government Flashcards
What system of government did Henry leave to oversee Edward in his minority? How was this government structured? - Edwardian Government
Henry left a Regency Council to govern during Edward’s minority which was balanced between Catholics and Protestants. Power was eventually seized by the Protestant Edward Seymour (Somerset).
Who did Somerset operate his government with? - Edwardian Government
Somerset governed largely with the members of his household and on his own, rather than using the regency council. This included appointing individuals such as Michael Stanhope (Chief Gentleman) into positions of power.
When did Somerset govern until? - Edwardian Government
Somerset governed until 1549, when Northumberland enacted a coup against the Lord Protector.
When did Northumberland and his fellow conspirators launch their military coup? (Month and Year) - Edwardian Government
Northumberland launched his coup in October 1549.
What religious, economic and social problems existed upon Edward’s accession to the throne? - Edwardian Government
The country was religiously divided over reform, monastic lands being sold had damaged religious experience, finances were poor due to Henry’s expensive foreign policy, the Great Debasement of 1544/5 has caused high inflation.
Somerset governed using proclamations, usually made by the monarch’s personal authority. How many did he use in his 2 years of power? - Edwardian Government
Somerset used 76 proclamations in 2 years, which was the highest rate at any point in the 16th Century.
What was the significance of Somerset ruling by proclamation rather than by statute? - Edwardian Government
Somerset was distant from Parliament as Lord Protector, and used this non-parliamentary form of policy making to avoid scrutiny and force his will.
When did Edward VI die? - Edwardian Government
Edward VI died in 1553.
Who (before Northumberland) attempted to stage a coup against Somerset? - Edwardian Government
Somerset faced an attempted coup from his own brother, Thomas Seymour.
After how many days in government did Somerset disband the regency council? - Edwardian Government
Somerset disbanded the regency council after merely 16 days in Government.
When did Northumberland enact a purging of his some of his fellow conspirators following the coup removing Somerset? Why? - Edwardian Government
Northumberland purged the council of its conservative members on the 10th October 1549. This was in order to consolidate and secure his own position, as well as guarantee more radical government actions which may have been prevented by this group.
