In what ways did the revolutionary events of the century affect the structure of society?

Question 1

7 themes in what ways did the revolutionary event of the century effect the structure of society

Answer 1

power of nobility
rise of gentry
merchants
professioanls
status of women
puritanism and women
legal reforms

Question 2

power of the nobility explained

Answer 2

1. Below the Monarch in social structure, around 2% population, held land and status, property and titles.
2. Significance began to decline towards the end of Elizabeth’s reign
3. Trevor-Roper argued that the fortunes of the nobility increased over the period.
4. Some of the Nobility had less influence than certain members of the Gentry because it was possible for a ‘gentlemen’ to be wealthier and have a higher status than the Nobility
5. Held land, property and titles that had been in their families for generations, including Lord
6. The Nobility did not have much expendable wealth in their estates. The Nobility controlled 15% of wealth and property across the country.

Question 3

Rise of Gentry

Answer 3

1. R.H. Tawney holds the view that the fortunes of the gentry increased in contrast with the fortunes of the nobility that decreased.
2. Increased in number by 300% between the early Tudor period and the middle of 17th century.
3. the total number of Gentry was 15,000 with 12,000 lesser Gentry and 3000 higher.
4. Half of all wealth across the country belonged to the Gentry.
5. Members of the lesser Gentry could become constables or judges whereas the higher Gentry could aspire to become MP’s.

Question 4

Gentry Controversy - who started and when

Gentry in politics

Answer 4

RH Tawney 1941

Question 5

what is the gentry controversy

Gentry in politics

Answer 5

saw ECW and deposition of monarchy as product of the rise of the gentry and corresponding downfall of nobility

Question 6

gentry controversy problem

Gentry in politics

Answer 6

assumes both groups experienced shared economic and political fortunes but recent research suggests this isnt true - was not uniform at all

Trevor-Roper argued that members of the gentry were not necessarily increasing their land and holdings, but instead had more influence due to their participation in politics, at both a local and national level.

Question 7

arguments for the rise of the gentry, not being related to nobility shifts

Gentry in politics

Answer 7

• As parliament became more important in the build-up to the Civil War, the role of the gentry was enhanced. Most MPs were members of the gentry and, after personal rule, Charles had no choice but to turn to them to help fight the Scots.
• Many of the officers who fought for parliament in the Civil War and later became high profile figures in the Republic were from the gentry. With the abolition of the House of Lords in 1649, new opportunities were created.

Question 8

arguments for the corresponding rise of the gentry being related to nobility (very short)
Gentry in politics

Answer 8

that the gentry benefitted due to the decline in the fortunes of the nobility.

Question 9

urbanisation and growth of merchant classes

6

Answer 9

1 As London and other major towns grew, the merchant class began to grow in power and influence.

2 It is estimated that around 64,000 merchants were trading in 1688 compared to around 34,000 in 1580

3 Depended on the growth of urbanisation including towns such as Bristol and Liverpool. The growth of London also helped their increase in fortunes.

4 Some became hugely wealthy, however they could never command the same of influence and respect as the landed elites.

5 Merchants were often desperate to leave towns due to the threat of disease and the instability of the world of commerce.

6 Younger sons in landowning families would typically attempt to pursue a career in business.

Question 10

urbanisation and growth of professional classes

Answer 10

1. The number of professionals rose as a direct result of the rise in living standards of the gentry and merchants.
2. Improvements living standards meant people needed more services; the numbers of lawyers, doctors, architects, academics and bankers rose.
3. Membership of Greys inn rose from 120 barristers in 1574 to more than 200 in 1619.
4. Before, the only notable profession was the clergy, who would have gone to university. Now doctors and lawyers were gaining a similar status.
5. At the inner temple where lawyers trained,, 90% of the 1,700 students between 1600-40 were sons of nobility and gentry, the rest of nobles or merchants. This reflects the lack of education for lower classes as entry to grammar schools wasn’t possible for most yeomen and certainly not for girls.

Question 11

how status of women changed

Answer 11

1. In the 17th century women were property of their husbands and fathers, unmarried women were viewed with suspicion.
2. The vast majority of women accused of witch craft were unmarried
3. Progress for women was slow and relatively non-existent until the civil war.
4. The women’s role was to raise children, some could read to keep household records, but their education was minimal and based on class. gentry would direct staff, agricultural would carry out manual labour.
5. The view women were irrational, devious and a threat, came from the bible. Women could be punished by wearing the brank which meant they couldn’t speak, or being accused as a witch which was punishable by death.
6. After 1642, the civil war gave women opportunities to take on the roles of men.
   Many gentry women managed the estates, some such as Lucy Hutchinson managed estate of husband who was a NMA colonel and Mary Banks directed troops to protect their estates.

Question 12

impact of puritanism on women

Answer 12

1. Puritains belived in wider education and in a religious structure where family was at the heart of worship, rather than the church. This made it necessary for women to be able to read, to instruct their children religiously.
2. Other than this, even the puritans education for women was incredibly minimal. Many believed that too highly educated women were dangerous.
3. Even the Quakers who advocated women’s education, only 4/15 schools established before 1617 were willing to educate girls.
4. Despite a lack of change in family life and education, women were at the forefront of political and social campaigns, especially around the civil war.
5. There were a number of protests. August 1643: 6000 women petitioned parliament for peace, When the lever leader John Lilburn was imprisoned, his wife Elizabeth got 10,000 women to sign a petition for his release.
6. Parliament rejected it as they were sexist even though the women reminded them that women were also created in the image of god and should therefore be treated the same as men.

Question 13

what Elizabeth Lilburne did during ECW / Protectorate

Answer 13

petitioned for release of leveller leader and husband John
10,000 signed
she claimed men and women were equal before god therefore should be equal under law
petition rejected 1649