The Stability of the Monarchy: Mary Flashcards
What were the issues which threatened the stability of the monarchy under Mary?
Gender, Marriage and Faction (Paget + Gardiner)
Why was Mary’s gender a problem?
A woman would be unable to control faction.
Unable to lead an army.
Was expected to marry: who would she marry/ women must be subservient to husbands.
Why did many support Mary’s claim to the throne?
She was legitimate- daughter of Henry.
She was the daughter of Catherine of Aragon, Henry’s first wife who was also a Catholic.
What were Mary’s options for marriage?
An englishman: Courtenay (backed by Gardiner)
A foreigner: Philip of Spain (backed by Paget)
What were the issues with marrying an englishman?
The power of his family would increase and they might dominate court.
What were the issues with marrying a foreigner?
Fear that the country might become dominated.
Fear of becoming dragged into war- played a role in Wyatt’s rebellion.
Who did Mary decide to marry and why?
Philip of Spain.
It would bring her closer to the Habsburg family- her mother was related to them.
He might be a powerful ruler who could protect her.
When did Mary propose her decision and what was the reaction?
October 1553.
Petition from the HoC opposing her decision which she ignored.
When was the marriage treaty proposed and approved?
December 1553 and January 1554
Wyatt’s rebellion:
