The impact of economic and social developments 1558-63 (18) Flashcards
What was the economy like when Elizabeth came to the throne?
It was struggling.
Why was the economy struggling when Elizabeth came to the throne?
The combination of bad harvests, high mortality rates, high taxation, and, for many people, a significant cut in real wages.
What did high mortality levels result in?
Reduced the supply of labour and increased the bargaining power of survivors.
What two ineffective mechanisms for dealing with the situation was the central government left with?
1) Instructions issued to JP’s and other officials
2) Royal Proclamations.
What did the government lack?
Powers of enforcement.
What was difficult for the JP’s?
To manage wage rates within their own countries
Give a reason why poverty occurred?
Because of an increase population, real wages for the labouring poor in Elizabethan England were lower than they had been a century earlier, with wage rates consistently falling behind rises in prices.
What did harvest failures create?
Food shortages.
What was Cecil concerned about?
The large numbers of homeless and unemployed people could present a serious threat to law and order.
What did contemporaries differ between?
The “deserving’ and the “undeserving’ poor
Give examples of the deserving poor.
They included the old, widows and those whose disabilities prevented them from securing employment
What had the Reformation destroyed?
Most institutions offering poor relief.
What did Parliament do to try and deal with the problems?
They made various stumbling attempts.
When had Acts been passed?
1552 and 1555
What was the government successful in?
Restoring confidence in the currency.
Who sought to re-stabilise the currency?
Northumberland and Mary but it was Elizabeth who was able to do so.
What scheme was announced early in the reign?
A withdrawal scheme of debased coins and their replacement by high minted coins.
What did the scheme ensure?
While some individuals suffered from the scheme, it did ensure that only sound coins were in circulation and the government wisely did not resort again to debasement during the rest of the century.
What prices continue to do?
Rise but at least the government could no longer be held responsible for the problem..
