The Social Impact of Religious and Economic Change Flashcards
Thomas Wyatt
Sir Thomas Wyatt and his supporters were opposed to Mary I’s marriage to Philip of Spain. The rebellion was anti-Catholic and anti-Spanish. Wyatt wanted to replace Mary I with Edward Courtenay (a descendant from the Yorkists).
Wyatt’s supporters
While many supported Wyatt’s anti-Catholic and anti-Spanish sentiments, the rebellion also served their own material interests. Socioeconomic grievances were caused by the decline of the cloth industry in Kent. There was unrest in Kent because of conflict amongst the local gentry who wanted to increase their power.
Course of rebellion
Wyatt intended to coordinate four rebellions at once in March 1554 - In Devon, Leicestershire, Wales and Kent. But only the rebellion in Kent that Wyatt led successfully began. Wyatt had 3,000 men who he led to London. The rebellion failed because Wyatt could not persuade Londoners to join his cause.
Consequences of rebellion
Wyatt’s rebellion posed a threat to Mary as he threatened London, the capital of England. Mary I executed Wyatt, Lady Jane Grey (who had the potential to be used as a symbol for future rebellions) and her husband. Princess Elizabeth was arrested because Mary I feared she had a role in the rebellion. But nothing could be proved and she was released.
The printing press
The printing press is often associated with Protestantism. But Mary I maximised the printing press when she restored Catholicism. For example, the printing press was vital for producing new Catholic prayer books (which had been destroyed by Henry VIII and Edward VI).
Education
In 1556, Mary proposed that the places clergy were trained should be reformed. She supported the development of seminaries, which taught Catholic theology. Mary I also focussed on developing universities. For example, St Johns College, Oxford was founded in 1555.
Humanism
Mary I was also influenced by humanism, particularly Erasmus. She even translated some of Erasmus’ work herself. This reminds us that humanism was not automatically associated with Protestantism.
Religious thought
It is difficult to establish what people thought of Mary I restoring Catholicism.
The speed with which Mary I restored Catholicism suggests many supported her. Towards the end of her reign, persecutions of Protestants were in decline. This could suggest that Mary was successful in her policies. Unfortunately, her untimely death meant she did not have enough time to consolidate her Catholic rule.
