Mary And Her Gender

Question 1

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

Answer 1

• 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, they were meant to be subservient
• if Mary married an Englishman, they’re family would be dominant at church
• if Mary married a foreigner the country would be dominated by them

Question 2

What is coverture and why was it a problem ?

Answer 2

Coverture is the legal system under which women lose all legal and property rights upon marriage, this was a problem because whoever Mary married would gain everything from her and effectively become King

Question 3

What book did John Knox write ?

Answer 3

The first blast of the trumpet against the monstrous regiment of woman

Question 4

What issues of gender did Mary have with her privy council ?

Answer 4

She had to appoint 50 members to be in her privy council due to them no believing a woman could make proper decisions. This created political and monarchical instability and faction problems

Question 5

In what situations did Mary successfully use her gender to her advantage?

Answer 5

• the guildhall speech during wyatts rebellion to rally support
• to get help so she could be placed as the rightful heir after lady Jane grey took to the throne