Political Instability

Question 1

What was England like in 1547?

Answer 1

Monarchy- Henry made decisions- he was ruthless and tyrannical. Edward was the only child. Henry established regency council for Edward- it was balanced with religious reformers and conservatives.

Government- Edward (a child) was very important. Royal household looked after king. Young king gave opportunities to nobles. Justices of the peace looked for Law and Order. Parliament was for money and nee laws. King relied on nobles and senior churchmen and privy council.

Rebellion- protests for taxation 1525 and Amicable Grant. 1546- 40000 rebels protested religious and economy. It was difficult to prevent unrest. The monarch relied on gentry and nobles.

Foreign Policy- England was at war with France and Scotland. England not major power. Fear of catholic crusade against England.

Religion- England broke from papacy. Monarch- head of church. England still catholic but no pope. Religious houses closed. People still catholic. Bible was english in all churches.

Economic/ Social- Henry spent all money from dissolution of the monasteries on war in 1540s. Henry reduced silver in coins for money (inflation- debasement). Food prices rose. Population rose. Land enclosed for sheep farming.

Question 2

What is a coup?

Answer 2

When someone in the government tried to overthrow the head.

Question 3

What did the regency council look like?

Answer 3

16 total, 8 conservatives and 8 reformists. Duke of Somerset (Edward Seymour) as Lord Protector.

Question 4

What problems did a minor on the throne create?

Answer 4

A young king would cause instability because he would not be able to lead troops into war as people may exploit the young king as this was a weakness (fear of civil war like war of Roses would happen). He would also not be able to handle the factional struggles. No one could portray Edward as King as he was a mere 9 year old- his image mattered.

Question 5

What issues did Somerset inherit?

Answer 5

Short term
-war (Scot v france)
-catholic plots
-Religious reform
-Raising revenue

Long term
- Religious reform
- Border wars- land
- The betrothed- marriage

Question 6

What was the role of Lord Protector?

Answer 6

-The Duke of Somerset was determined to have full authority.
-He didn’t want to take advice from the Privy council.
-Passed 70 proclamations during 3 year reign.
-Ignored councils and heard advice from household.

Question 7

What did Somerset fall?

Answer 7

• His personality (stubborn, arrogant, too personal).
• Style of government (led to anti-Somerset faction).
• Wriothesley opposed the religious changes, Warwick wanted to increase his power and Paget had concerns in his letters.
• Somersets coup in 1549 (raised wealth and power) made more people critics and act on Somerset.
• He fled with Edward but after his falling I’ll, Edward states Somerset threatened him.
• Rebellions- due to level of taxes and 40000 rebels.