Mary I - Political/Foreign Policy Flashcards
What caused the Succession Crisis of 1553?
The crisis was caused by the illness and death of Edward VI, who was aged 15, in July 1553.
Who did Edward VI and Northumberland wish to avoid as his successor?
They wished to avoid the succession of Princess Mary, the Catholic daughter of Catherine of Aragon.
Who did Edward VI name as heirs to the throne in his ‘device’ for succession?
Edward named Lady Jane Grey and her heirs as heirs to the throne.
Who was Lady Jane Grey?
Lady Jane Grey was the eldest granddaughter of Henry VIII’s younger sister Mary, a good Protestant, and recently married to Northumberland’s son.
What were the legal weaknesses of the conspiracy?
The conspiracy had important legal weaknesses, including that Edward, as a minor, could not make a legal will.
What did the Succession Act of 1543 declare?
The Succession Act of 1543 declared that Mary was Edward’s heir if he died childless.
What happened when Northumberland failed to capture Mary?
Mary was able to reach her estates in East Anglia and call on loyal gentry to back her.
What was the outcome when Northumberland gathered troops against Mary?
Northumberland’s Counsellors backed down in the face of Mary’s popularity.
How did Mary’s success in the succession crisis manifest?
Mary’s success was bloodless and showed respect for the law and for Edward’s real heir, despite her known Catholicism.
How was the conspiracy viewed in the context of Northumberland’s ambitions?
The conspiracy was seen as a desperate attempt by ambitious Northumberland to cling on to power after Edward’s death.
Who was the first female sovereign?
She was the first female sovereign, facing Protestant opposition to female rule, as noted in John Knox’s pamphlet of 1558.
What significant personal event affected her before 1553?
She was disfigured by the spectacular divorce of her mother, Catherine of Aragon, by her father, Henry VIII.
Why was marriage a concern for her after her accession?
At 37, marriage was seen as dangerous for the realm, with Catholics viewing her as the real sovereign since 1534.
What was her situation during Edward VI’s reign?
She spent much of her adult life under house arrest, fearing execution for not conforming to the Edwardian Settlement.
What was the significance of marriage for Mary as Queen?
Marriage was vital to provide a Catholic heir but was controversial due to fears of her husband becoming the real ruler.
What was Mary’s religious duty as a firm Catholic?
It was her duty to God to change the religious Settlement and bring England back to Papal obedience.
What did her accession indicate?
Her accession in preference to Lady Jane Grey indicated God’s special favour towards Mary.
What challenges did Mary face upon her accession?
Mary inherited a divided Counsellor situation but soon imposed order.
How did Mary handle disagreements among her Counsellors?
Despite inevitable disagreements, Mary imposed her will on her advisers and conducted herself well as the first female sovereign.
What were the differing views among Mary’s Councillors regarding religion?
Gardiner and others wanted a swift return to Catholicism, while Paget and others preferred a slower pace with limited persecution.
What was the division regarding Mary’s marriage?
Councillors were divided, with Paget favouring a Spanish match and Gardiner supporting Edward Courtenay.
What was the general sentiment towards the Spanish Marriage?
Most Councillors were probably against the Spanish Marriage and war against France.
How did Mary manage to maintain control despite disagreements?
Mary listened to differing advice but ultimately exercised her sovereign rights, ensuring no serious divisions arose.
What was the nature of Mary’s government relations with Parliament?
Mary’s government worked well with Parliament, with no serious opposition over religious changes.
