Mid-Tudor Crisis and Edward VI

Flashcards covering the legacy of Henry VIII, the reign of Edward VI, Somerset's policies, religious changes, rebellions, Northumberland's rise, and the succession crisis.

What is the 'Mid-Tudor Crisis' (traditional view)?

The idea that the mid-sixteenth century was a time of political conflict, failure, and instability in England.

What is the 'Revisionist' view of the Mid-Tudor Crisis?

That traditional views of the mid Tudor crisis are not popular and the period is now seen as a constructive time of cooperation as well as adminstrative and political development.

What was the purpose of the regency council of 16 men?

To rule for Edward until he was 18, appointed after Henry VIII's death.

What problems were surrounding minoruty governments?

Factionalism, murders, civil unrest, and revolts.

How did Edward Seymour (Duke of Somerset) rise to power?

He quickly consolidated his position and set about taking power for himself, becoming Lord Protector.

Who was a key assitant to Seymour's bid for power?

Sir William Paget.

What was Somerset's ruling style?

Historians have accused Somerset of ruling autocratically and alienating those closest to him via not delegating power.

How many proclamations did Somerset issue during his rule?

Over 70 in less than 3 years.

What did the Vagrancy Act of 1547 state?

Able-bodied persons out of work for 3 days were branded and sold into slavery for two years.

Who were some members of Somerset's 'new council'?

Stanhope, Cecil, and Thynne.

What contributed to the increase in poverty during Somerset's rule?

The rising population, enclosure, and inflation.

What were some of Somerset's successes?

Research was done for the first time since Wolsey in 1517 and frequent parliaments were called to pass laws on religion.

What were some of Somerset's failures?

He raised false hopes with enclosure and alienated Edward VI and the Privy Council.

What was the effect of Cranmer's homily?

The fact that even though Edward was a child, he must be obeyed because he was the king chosen by God.

What is meant by 'iconoclasm'?

The destruction of visual representations of what is in the Bible.

Who wrote the Book of Common Prayer and why?

Written by Cranmer, purposefully vague – mentions bread and wine but not transubstantiation

Why could Somerset's middle way be considered sensible?

England was divided, and a compromise was sensible to prevent angering extremists on either side.

Why were the Scots so hard to defeat?

The Scots had support from France, a land border, and could use the Highlands.

Why would Somerset sign the Anglo-Imperial Treaty with the Holy Roman Empire?

To protect himself religiously and from a Catholic crusade.

What are the main causes of rebellions?

Politics, religion, and taxation.

What did the fact that that Somerset had to garrison London suggest?

The government was scared.

According to Stakey, what happened that made Somerst resign?

Somerset took Edward to Windsor, Edward was critical of Somerst and councillors turned against him.

Who was responsible for Somerset's downfall?

There was a coalition of people who engineered his downfall at the Privy Council, who all hated him.

How did Northumberland end up as the person in charge?

Winning over the Court (Edward, the people at court) and the Council.

What was the character of Northumberland?

Skilled politician, not very pious, suffered from illness and depression, effective at delegating responsibility, soldier, ambitious for power, an opportunist.

How did Northumberland administer the council?

He re-established the functions of the privy council

How did Northumberland assert his control of the royal household?

Sir John Gates, his ally, became Vice-Chamberlain of the Household and had control of the Dry Stamp

What actions did Northumberland take regarding social policy?

Enclosure measures were not continued, the Sheep tax was repealed in 1550 and the vagrancy act was repealed.

What were the aims of Northumberlands economic policy?

To end debasement, to reduce expenditure and for the King to live of his own.

How did Northumberland ensure financial success?

Ending wars with Scotland and France.

What treaty symbolised Northumberland's foreign policy?

The treaty with France.

Where did Northumberland encourage the expansion of trade routes?

Trading as far as the Gold Coast in West Africa, and the search for a North-East passage to China (Muscovy Company).

What were the terms of the Second Act of Uniformity in 1552?

The 1552 Prayer Book removed all traces of Catholicism and the mass. The significance of the Eucharist (aka the last supper) was reduced which more emphasis on it being a commemorative ceremony

What were Recusants?

People who did not attend Church of England Services.

Why could the Catholic structure not be gotten rid of entirely?

More a question of Royal Supremacy.

What was the driving force behind Edward VI?

He was deeply invested in the Second Prayer Book and the persecution of Mary.

who was Archbishop Cranmer during the Edwardian Reformation?

Wrote First Prayer Book and 42 Articles. Developed ecclesiastical policy. Asserted Lutheran beliefs

Was Edward an irrelevant puppet?

Edwards was not a irrelevant puppet but was not in charge.

What did Starkey think made Edward have a lot of control?

Edward made members of the Council to endorse his will that Jane Grey would become the heir.

What did Richard Cavendish think Northumberland did in regards to the Device of the Succession?

He “persuaded the dying Edward” so that his son could marry Jane Grey.