4 the social impact of religious and economic changes under Mary I rebellions intellectual developments humanist and religious thought

Mary’s primary objective

restoration of papal authority and catholicism in England

Papal authority

did not return until the third parliament in 1555

extent of change

By Mary’s death in 1558, the Church had changed significantly on the surface — Catholicism was fully restored. Papal authority was reinstated, Protestant laws were repealed, and traditional Catholic practices like the Mass and transubstantiation were reintroduced. However, these changes were largely imposed from above. Protestantism still had support, especially in London, and the Marian burnings created sympathy for reformers. Because her reign was short, these changes weren’t deeply embedded and were quickly reversed under Elizabeth.

similiarties between Mary and Henry VIII church

Traditional Catholic Practices

Both kept many Catholic elements like ceremonies, vestments, and the belief in transubstantiation (at least until Henry’s later years).

Opposition to Radical Protestantism

Both suppressed more extreme Protestant ideas (e.g., Henry executed heretics; Mary burned Protestants).

Monastic Land Not Restored

Neither monarch restored the dissolved monasteries or returned monastic lands — even though Mary was Catholic.

differences

Supreme Head

Henry made himself Supreme Head of the Church of England via the Act of Supremacy (1534).

Mary restored papal authority and ended royal supremacy in 1554.

Religious Doctrine

A mix: Catholic in practice but broke with Rome; increasingly Protestant after 1536 (e.g. English Bible, dissolution).

Fully Catholic — restored Latin Mass, banned Protestant texts, reinstated Catholic doctrine fully.

Reform Motivation

Largely political and personal — e.g., divorce from Catherine of Aragon.

Primarily religious — genuine desire to restore Catholicism and save souls.

Use of Persecution

Some persecution of Protestants and Catholics (e.g., Thomas More), but limited.

Over 280 Protestants burned during her reign — aggressive persecution.

wyatt rebellion assessment

• It showed widespread discontent, even early in Mary’s reign.

• The rebels reached London’s gates, revealing weak loyalty in parts of the country and how close Mary came to losing control.

• It exposed divisions in the political elite, as even some nobles were sympathetic.

• It justified a wave of repression, including imprisonments and trials, although Mary showed some restraint.