Mock Stuff - What Caused Instability in the Reigns of Edwards and Mary

Question 1

What are the four rebellions in this time period which created instability?

Answer 1

1. Western Rebellion (1549)
2. Kett rebellion (1549)
3. Lady Jane Grey coup (1553)
4. Wyatt rebellion (1554)

Question 2

Why did the rebellions cause instability?

Answer 2

1. Variety of different causes to each rebellion shows vulnerability throughout each reign
2. A lot of unrest considering only short periods of time
3. LDG coup and Wyatt rebels actually threatened the leader on throne and succession - ultimate instability

Question 3

Why did religious change cause instability?

Answer 3

1. Radical changes under Edward - getting rid of Latin, mass, images, common prayer book - Western rebellion? Large declines in church attendance
2. Mary act of repeal undid all of Ed’s changes 1553 Latin, mass etc, even papal authority restored. Religious unrest?
3. Marian burnings - 280 in three years - massively unpopular and created instability

Question 4

Why did foreign policy cause instability?

Answer 4

1. Somerset’s garrison policy in Scotland - spent half a million pounds in total on war with Scot - only achieved strengthening France and Scots vs Eng - MQS marry Dauphine
2. Treaty of Boulogne - humiliation within England among nobles - loss of Bol was embarressing
3. Mary huge humiliation of losing Calais - made her look weak and unable to rule effectively

This caused instability due to firstly uniting powers and loss of money exposed England to foreign attacks. Humiliation from loss of lands made the ruler look weak domestically - unhappy

Question 5

However, how did rebellions not cause instability?

Answer 5

1. All rebellions were suppressed
2. If the government weren’t so crippled financially, they would have been even smaller and insignificant
3. Most didn’t directly challenge the ruler in charge - ‘we pray your grace’ respectful

Question 6

How did the religious change not cause instability?

Answer 6

1. Duffy - ‘most accepted changes’ about Ed reformation
2. People accepted and wanted return to Catholicism under Mary - welcomed back with open arms. Only really upset radical Prots.
3. People were indifferent and used to changes in religion

Question 7

How did foreign policy not cause instability?

Answer 7

1. Treaty of Bolougne kept peace with France for Northumberland and ensured much needed £400,000
2. Calais was kept during Edward - kept people moderately happy