succession in 1553 and marys gender

Who successed the throne in 1553?

Mary Tudor

What suggests there was stability during Mary’s reign upon her succession?

She had support (greeted in London where a mass was held) due to her legitamite claim

Although religous conflict remained and there would be huge religous change, how did Mary attempt to maintain stability?

She made harsh measures to ensure loyalty and remove any opposition to her catholic regime e.g. heresy laws in 1554

What was the main cause of instability regarding her minority?

She was a women, 16th century beliefs ment her minority would threaten stability as it this could lead to civil war + it was believed she wouldnt be able to lead an army or manage factional conflicts. Additionally it left a major concern of marriage as believed she wouldnt need a male to advise her and produce an heir

What ancient law ment there was concerns for a female ruler?

Salic law, which excluded women as monarchs, as it believed it would cause dynastic weakness

Why might Mary’s gender create factional problems that could lead to instability?

Believed she would be unable to control factions and her government may appear weaker. Additionally issues around her marriage and successor created disputes amoung councillors e.g. paget (supported Phillip) and Gardiner (supported Courtney)

How serious was the instability caused by her gender?

Very e.g. particularly shown by her problem of marriage as there was a lot of debate over wether she should marry and Englishman or a foreigner, and ultimately her decision led to rebellions, showing there would be attempts to overthrow

However what evidence is there to suggest her gender wouldnt cause instability?

Regardless of gender, she was the rightful heir and held royal perogative, there had been previous strong female queens in Europe, and regarding marriage, she passed an act of regal power meaning she would hold same power as her husband and he couldn’t impose foreign policies into England