Issues of Mary Tudor's gender

Question 1

Why did the accession of a female ruler cause serious concerns in 16th century society?

Answer 1

England had only been ruled by a female once before, in the 12th century

resulted in a civil war as many refused to accept Matilda as queen + instead supported Stephen

Question 2

Why was it feared that a female ruler would weaken the monarchy? (5)

Answer 2

a woman would be unable to control faction

a woman would be unable to lead an army into battle

a woman was expected to marry, issue as woman expected to be subservient to husband

if Mary married an Englishman, it would increase the power of her husband’s family who would dominate court

if Mary married a foreigner, the the country would be dominated by foreigners

Question 3

What created instability?

Answer 3

Mary’s decision to marry Philip of Spain

Question 4

Why did Mary’s decision to marry Philip of Spain create instability?

Answer 4

she would be expected to be subservient and therefore he would drag England into wars which would not benefit the nation
these fears played significant role in Wyatt’s Rebellion