ENGLAND 1509–1603 AUTHORITY, NATION AND RELIGION

What were the main features of Tudor monarchy?

Personal authority, belief in divine right, reliance on reputation and cooperation of elites, and governance through consensus rather than force.

How did Henry VIII exercise authority effectively?

Through strong personal kingship, use of patronage, dominance over the nobility, and control of religion after the break with Rome.

Why was Edward VI’s reign politically unstable?

He was a minor, so power was held by protectors, leading to factional struggles and weak central authority.

Why was Mary I’s authority undermined?

Gender prejudice, unpopular marriage to Philip II, religious reversal, and economic difficulties reduced public support.

Why was Elizabeth I an effective monarch?

She ruled pragmatically, managed factions carefully, used propaganda effectively, and avoided unnecessary conflict.

Why was succession a recurring problem during the Tudor period?

Short reigns, lack of heirs, disputed claims, and uncertainty undermined political stability.

How did gender affect Mary and Elizabeth’s rule?

Both faced resistance as female rulers; Mary’s marriage weakened authority, while Elizabeth avoided marriage to retain power.

How did Henry VIII use parliament?

To legitimise major changes such as the break with Rome, reinforcing royal authority through law

What does ‘King‑in‑Parliament’ mean?

The idea that laws required both royal authority and parliamentary approval.

How did parliament change under Elizabeth I?

It grew more confident, especially on religion and finance, but remained subordinate to the monarch.

What caused conflict between Elizabeth and parliament?

Succession debates, marriage, religious reform, and financial pressures.

Why did ministers become more important under the Tudors?

The growing size and complexity of government required skilled administrators.

What were Wolsey’s strengths and weaknesses

He was efficient and powerful but over‑dominant, leading to his downfall in 1529.

Why was Cromwell significant?

He modernised government, expanded the Privy Council, and implemented Reformation policies

Why was Burghley important to Elizabeth’s reign?

He provided stability, experience, and careful financial management.

Why did Henry VIII break with Rome?

To secure an annulment and assert political independence from the Pope.

What was the significance of the 1534 Act of Supremacy?

It made the monarch head of the Church of England, increasing royal authority.

Why were the monasteries dissolved?

To remove Catholic influence and increase royal wealth and control.

How did Edward VI change religion in England?

Introduced Protestant reforms, including the Book of Common Prayer.

Why did Mary’s religious policy fail?

Persecution of Protestants created resentment and damaged her reputation.

What was the aim of Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement?

To create stability through a moderate Protestant compromise.

Why was the settlement politically successful?

It avoided extremes and reduced the risk of rebellion.

What were its weaknesses?

It satisfied neither Catholics nor Puritans fully.

Where did Catholicism remain strongest?

In the north and among some nobles.

Why did Catholics become a political threat after 1570?

The Papal Bull, Mary Queen of Scots, and Jesuit missionaries encouraged rebellion.

How did Elizabeth respond to Catholic threats?

Increased recusancy fines, executions, and legal repression.

Why did Protestantism grow over time?

Increased literacy, preaching, and government support.

What did Puritans want?

Further reform of church practices and governance

How did Elizabeth deal with Puritans?

She tolerated beliefs but suppressed political challenges.

How did the Tudors control the country locally?

Through lords lieutenant, JPs, and regional councils.

Why was this system effective?

It reduced reliance on nobility and extended royal authority.

What caused increased poverty in the Tudor period?

Population growth, enclosure, and inflation.

How did governments respond to poverty?

Harsh punishments for vagrancy and gradual development of organised poor relief.

How did attitudes to poverty change by late Elizabethan England?

Recognition that poverty was a social problem requiring support.

What were the main causes of rebellion?

Religion, taxation, and economic hardship.

Why did resistance decline after 1570?

Stronger government, harsh punishments, and fear of repression.