Key debate 3: Was the Western rebellion a serious threat to the government? Flashcards

1
Q

Key points:

A
  • Was a serious threat

* Was not a serious threat

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2
Q

Was a serious threat:

A

• Appeared to be a direct challenge to the government’s religious policy, occurred when the government particularly weak and under other pressures.
• Many felt any religious changes should wait until Edward came of age.
• Many incidents of unrest summer of 49 - greater threat as possibility of joining forces.
• Gov ill-informed about developments.
- slow to realise the seriousness
- slow to send sufficient forces
- allowed rebellion time to gain momentum and recruits
• Unable to send troops immediately to West Country even once aware - troops had to deal with other unrest on the way.
• Gov forced to abandon its Scottish policy and withdraw troops. Faced prospect of invasion from France.
• Although rebels not always well armed, forced gov into 5 battles before defeated - gov struggled to suppress.
• Reaction of Exeter authorities suggests considered it a threat and were fearful the rebels would enter the city as at Norwich.
• Threatened the main legislation of the government’s religious policy.
• Rebel behaviour often violent, wording of demands showed lack of respect.
• No. put to death suggests gov concerned & wanted to make an example.
• Decision to remove Somerset due to poor handling of rebellion (suggesting fearful)

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3
Q

Was not a serious threat:

A

• Rebel force only 5000, no collaboration with other rebel forces.
• Aim of rebels not to overthrow the government. Religious but also social and economic.
• Gov action made matters worse:
- set fire to rebel defences at Crediton
• 3000 rebels killed in battle, weakened resistance.
• Exeter was able to resist the rebels for 6 weeks and remained loyal to gov.
• Rebellion remained in West Country and did not more towards London and threaten the seat of gov.
• Gov was able to raise sufficient forces, including mercenaries, able to defeat rebels.

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