HIST2070 - Early Modern England (Midterm Review)

Monarch

The most powerful among the royalty line. Cannot be a catholic- and were forbidden to marry a catholic because it disqualify succession to the crown due to protestantism against catholism (England vs France).

Geography of England

Situated with a correspondance of islands; protected the nation from invasion. Formation was important for trade and had significant water bodies allowing transportation to be possible. Had the island mentality.

Fielden Areas

Communal agricultural regions characterized by shared common land, arable open fields, and an expectation of mutual cooperation among farming inhabitants.

Forest Areas

A classification used by historians to describe less communal, often rockier or hillier English lands developed differently from agricultural open fields. Defined by forest law jurisdictions that held distinct cultural and economic systems.

Landownership

One of the most important things in society. It meant economic and societal power; when you produce more, you sell more- profiting more. The more of it you had, the more influence you held.

Who was the largest land owner in the start of 1485 England?

The church.

Justice of the Peace

A court official or local judge that are considered landowners and representatives of the crown. Apart of the legal system that required for you to be a landowner.

Monasteries

Religious institutions where monks live; were below the crown and owned a good amount of land, considered great land owners. Would be dissoluted during the reign of Henry VIII and Cromwell.

Why was owning a leasehold great?

It allowed for you to keep the property/land that you had through a writing contract. Can have them for over three “lives", allowing for generations to tend to the land and grow it overtime.

Primogeniture

The right of the firstborn legitmate child to inherit all or most of their parent's estate- or succeed as ruler of state. Appeared in English within the 17th century; exclusive right of inheritance belonging to the edlest son.

Partible Inheritance

A system of inheritance in contrast to primogeniture that distributesi property in apportions among other individuals. Divided equally among multiple people in regards to deceased individual's properties.

Sumptuary Laws

A parlimentary statue that prescribed acceptable dress, fabrics, furs and ornamentation for individuals based on their social rank and/or hierarchy. Connected to keep England's societal ranking strong.

Serfs

Unfree agricultural labourers legally bound to manorial land, subject to compulsory labour dues, and dependent on their lord's permission to leave or marry.

House of Lords

The upper chamber of the English Parliament, consisting of hereditary temporal peers and clerical bishops, possessing the constitutional authority to veto legislation.

Temporal Lords

Secular aristocratic peers—such as dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons—who held hereditary seats in the House of Lords.

Duke

The highest and most prestigious title of nobility in the English hereditary peerage, ranking immediately below the monarch.

Marquess

The second-highest rank in the English peerage, positioned directly below a duke and above an earl.

Earl

The third rank in the British peerage hierarchy, positioned below a marquess and above a viscount.

Viscount

The fourth rank of the English hereditary peerage, positioned immediately above a baron and below an earl.

Baron

The lowest and most numerous rank within the English peerage, holding an automatic hereditary seat in the House of Lords.

Knights

Members of the upper landed gentry who originally held land through military service to the monarch and held the personal honorific title of 'Sir'.

Gentlemen

High-status landed commoners who lived off property rents without performing manual labour, frequently serving as Justices of the Peace.

Yeoman

Substantial, prosperous independent farmers who owned or leased sizable estates, employed labourers, and were considered the economic 'backbone of the country.'

Husbandmen

A small-scale farmer holding less property than a yeoman, who relied heavily on livestock, worked alongside family members, and occasionally employed labourers.

Cottager

A poor rural inhabitant who resided in a small cottage on another's estate in exchange for providing seasonal or daily agricultural labour.

Labourer

The lowest rank of free rural society, consisting of landless individuals whose livelihood depended entirely on selling manual physical work.

Great Chain of Being

The universal philosophical concept positing a strict, divinely ordained hierarchical structure that could not be interfered with. A vertical hierarchy that could not be climbed during England’s time.

Hereditary Monarchy

A monarchical governance model, exemplified by France, where the sovereign crown passes automatically through dynastic succession to the monarch's direct heir.

Composite Monarchy (Joint Monarchy)

A political union where distinct kingdoms are united under one dynasty while maintaining separate domestic administrations.

The Black Death (1347-1350)

The catastrophic bubonic plague pandemic that eradicated one-third to one-half of Europe's population, sparking severe labour shortages that effectively ended serfdom.

What were the three orders in European society?

Those who prayed, those who fought and those who worked. The clergy, nobility and the peasantry.

What were people classed as nobility based up on?

They were based on those originally fought alongside the King, and were then rewarded land in return, securing potential special legal status.

What is England’s primary economical source?

It sources agriculturally, making money off from the land.

What were some other methods, aside from agricultural sources of economy, that England depended on for financial growth?

Slave trade, market/general trade, early capitalism (liquid money), and borrowing credit.

Battle of Bosworth Field (1485)

The last significant battle between the Wars of the Roses (between the House of York and Lancaster). King Richard III dies on the field, and Tudor is crowned, claiming the throne.

Wars of the Roses (1455 - 1487)

Fought between the Houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne due to dynastic conflicts. Period of instability, political intrigue and the deposition of Kings.

King Edward the III (1327 - 1377)

Known as the ‘Edward of Windsor’ before accession. Noted for restoring royal authority and leading England into the Hundred Years’ War with France.

Hundred Years War

A intermittent struggle between England and France in the 14th-145h century, which marked over a series of disputes between states.

What were some of the causes of the Hundred Years War?

Caused by Edward III in regards to rights of him being the King of France, along with landownership and trade. Also includes seizure of Gascony by Philip VI and the fight between Edward III and Philip VI.

Battle of Agincourt (1415)

A hundred years’ war battle that resulted in the victory of the English over the Frence. Led by King Henry V that allowed for conquest of Normandy and the Treaty of Troyes, naming Henry V heir to the crown.

Henry VI (1422 - 1461 / 1470 - 1471)

The only English monarch crowned King of France. Ascended the throne as an infant, succeeded his father Henry V. Held periods of mental disturbances and was pushed to acknowledge York as heir to the throne.

Edward IV (1461-1470 / 1471)

The King of England that served at the beginning of the 1460s. The surviving son of the Duke of York and deposed Henry VI. Leader of the Yorkist cause in the War of the Roses, replacing the Lancastrians as ruling dynasty.

Richard III (1483-1485)

The last Planetagent and Yorkist King of England, rising from the Wars of the Roses and known as ‘Duke of Gloucester’. Declared Edward V illegitimate and sent the ‘princes in the tower’ to the tower of London.

Princes in the Tower

A term that refers to the mystery of the fates of deposed king Edward V and his brother Prince Richard, Duke of York- heirs to the throne of King Edward IV. Uncleared on their fates, but assumed they were murdered.

When did the beginning of Henry Tudor’s reign start?

After the Battle of Bosworth, when Henry VII was crowned in 1485, deposing Richard III. Marked the ruling house ‘Tudor’ for over a hundred years.

Henry VII (1485-1509)

Known as ‘Henry Tudor’ and was King of England/Lord of Ireland, considered the first monarch of the House of Tudor. However, claim over throne was weak as it was under illegitimate descent.

When did Henry Tudor claim his reign over the throne?

He claimed the throne a day before the Battle of Bosworth, as it showed he was the legal king. Seized upon rebellion and took a lowborn citizen (Lambert Simnel “King Edward the VI”, crowning him.

What were the main objectives of Henry Tudor attempting to secure his position?

Security over his own position, dynasty and government. Attained land of the many high-ranking Yorks, affecting generations of family to weaken them.

Elizabeth of York

The Queen consort and wife of King Henry VII, claiming the throne by inheritance. Despite being from the opposing family (York), was chosen as the bride and secured Henry Tudor’s position by combining families together.

When is the throne/monarchy most vulnerable?

When the King dies; it is when the transfer of power is most suspectable to being grabbed from foreign powers. Tudors lack this worry due to their multiple children.

Arthur, Prince of Wales (1486-1502)

The eldest son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Duke of Cornwall from birth, but created Earl of Chester later on. Formally married off to Catherine of Aragon in 1501 to forge Anglo-Spanish alliances.

Catherine of Aragon (1509 - 1533)

Queen of England and the first wife of Henry VIII, previously Princess of Wales as the wife of Arthur, Prince of Wales.

Margaret Tudor (1503-1513)

An English princess and Queen consort of Scotland. Married off to King James IV in 1503, becoming Queen of Scotland under treaty between England and Scotland.

Treaty of Medina del Campo (1489)

A treaty signed between England and Spain that established common policy to reducing tariffs, arranged marriages between Arthur Tudor and Catherine of Aragon. Strengthened relations between the two nations.

Why does the relationship between Parliament and the King hold a fundamental key aspect for Modern England?

It ensures balance of power and authority. If the King wanted to make legal decisions during urgency, the Parliament can control and legitimize it. Mainly out of a need to raise money for certain financial costs.

The Privy Council

The King's Council with noblemen that discussed war and peace, the events of England and what might be happening in Parliament. Helped decide policy and figure out what should happen.

Star Chamber (Late 15th - Mid-17th Century)

An English court that sat at the Palace of Westminster, composing of socially/political involve individuals and judges. Enforced the law under Henry VIII’s rule when other courts couldn’t due to corruption/influence.

Why was the King’s Council referred to as the “Star Chamber”?

Referred to this name because the ceiling was painted in reference to the night sky.

What was the idea of the court of equity, under the King’s Courts?

It allowed for the promotion of more merciful results and try/rule against the wealthy and powerful. Could deal with cases on appeal and was considered a high court.

The King’s Great Matter

The political and theological crisis provoked by Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon in order to marry Anne Boleyn. Feared political instability and the end of the Tudor dynasty.

Henry VIII (1509 - 1547)

The monarch of England and Ireland, known for his six marriages, break with the catholic church, and the establishment of the Church of England. Second son to Henry VII and Elizabeth of York.

Who were all Henry VIII’s six wives?

Catherine of Aragon (1509), Anne Boleyn (1532), Jane Seymour (1536), Anne of Cleves (1540), Catherine Howard (1540), and Catherine Parr (1543)

Divorce Trial of Catherine of Aragon (1529)

A significant event that involved the changing relationship between the English monarch and the Catholic Church; hope for Henry VIII to alter the power dynamics of the Church and the Throne.

Praemunire

An historical English term that meant assertion/appeal to foreign jurisdiction in England against the supremancy of the Crown. Was established over clergies by Henry VIII and forced them to submit to the monarchy.

Thomas Cranmer (1533-1555)

A replacement of William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury. The first Protestant Archbishop- a leader of the English Reformation and orchestrated the secret marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

Act in Restraint of Appeals (1533)

An act passed by Parliament that forbade all legal and religious appeals to the Pope, shifting jurisdiction from matters of matrimony/divorces to the supremacy of English courts and royal courts. No outside interference allowed.

Act of Supremancy (1534)

Passed by the Parliament under King Henry VIII's rule that declared him supreme head of the Church of England. Gave him absolute right to appoint bishops and made it treason to deny the new royal succession.

Dissolution of the Monastaries (1538-1541)

A series of administrative actions with King Henry VIII disbanding Catholic religious houses across England. Seized their wealth, disposed of their assets, took their land and destroyed their buildings.

What were some of the results of dissolving/destroying the monastaries across England?

Gave King Henry VIII double his income, abolished poor relief and medical care from religious houses, created a new market sale with land, and allowed development of the English reformation to prosper.

Pilgrimage of Grace (1536)

One of the most famous reactions to the changes of the Church. A massive uprising that faced King Henry VIII's reign due to Cromwell's polices and dissolution of the monastaries.

What did the Pilgrimages of Grace specifically call for?

The halt of monasitary dissolution, reverse doctrinal changes, and to dismiss Thomas Cromwell from his position as crown advisor.

What did Catherine of Aragon demand for her divorce/marriage trial?

Put forth several arguments that she didn’t recognize the validity of the court that judged their marriage, as she was royal. Demanded the right of appeal to the case.

What was the state of the English Church in 1530?

The state was slowly shifting to the English Reformation; calls for reforms of the Church were being made and the Church of England was breaking away from the authority of the pope.

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

A German priest, theologian, and the figure of the Protestant Reformation that is considered on the most influential figures in Western and Christian history. Called out the Church’s abuse and corruption.

What did Luther call out specifically about the church?

Called out how the Church became too focused on materialism and called for deep reforms to save the church. Outlined the importance of scripture, highlighted practices in indulgences.

Protestant Reformation

A major theological movement in 16th century Europe that challenged religious and political authority towards the Catholic Church hierarchy during the end of the Renaissance period. Dated with Martin Luther’s publication of the “Ninety-five Theses”.

Ninety-five Theses / Disputation on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences (1517)

Written by Martin Luther; launched the beginning of the Protestant Reformation and distributed theological misgivings about the indulgences that the Catholic Church was participating in to “reduce punishments in purgatory”.

What was the primary reason for Luther’s publication of the Ninety-five Theses during the Early Modern England period?

It was triggered by the Catholic clergy selling indulgences/certificates to reduce punishments of the purchasers or of their loved ones.

John Wycliffe (1328 - 1384)

An English philosopher and Christian reformer that was known as the predecessor to Protestantism. Advocated for the emphasis on scripture and denied the special power of priests.

What did Wycliffe particularly advocate for the common people?

He advocated for everyday people to be able to read the bible; argued for the Church to radicalize poverty of all clergy and that monasticism was corrupt, priests were morally unworthy.

Spanish Inquisition (1478)

A judicial inquisition that was meant to combat heresy and consolidate power in the monarch of the new Spanish Kingdom. Many people converted to Christian faith and faced brutality through torture via judicial procedure.

Isabella I of Castile (1474 - 1504)

Known as ‘Isabella the Catholic’, married to Ferdinand that unified Spain. Instituted the Spanish Inquisition and created the basis of a governmental system, unburdening kingdom from debt that was left behind.

What are Isabella I and Ferdinand II particularly known for?

Being the first monarchs to be referred to as the Queen and King of Spain. Known for mass expulsion of the Jews, initiating the Spanish Inquisition, financing Christopher’s voyage.

Heresy

Anything deviation or unacceptable church belief/opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine, especially Christian.

Hunne’s Case (1511-1514)

A dispute over Richard Hunne’s infant son’s funeral. Was arrested for heresy by challenging the church’s authority- but was found dead in his cell in 1514 while awaiting trial. Death caused widespread anger against the clergy.

Thomas Wolsey (1515-1529)

A cardinal who dominated the government of England’s King Henry VIII’s reign. Attained position as chief advisor, but failed to negotiate annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon.

Thomas Cromwell (1534-1540s)

The successor and replacement of Wolsey, serving as chief minister of King Henry VIII. Transformed the workings of government and charted reformed courses of the new Church of England.

Who is considered the traditional enemy of England?

France- the Hundred Years War demonstrates this rivalry between England- and Scotland- discarded alliance.

How did the Protestant Reformation end up lasting for so long, despite the Church having so much power?

Due to the selling of the land. If you were a person who bought land, you had all the say in change of the system and the stake of it. More land means more power, more power meant more influence.

Edward VI (1547-1553)

King of Ireland and England, Henry VIII’s only legitimate son. Viewed as frail, but succeeded the throne at just 9 years old. Was more protestant, and devoted that belief in his rule.

Elizabeth I (1558-1603)

The Queen of England and Ireland during a period known as the ‘Elizabethan Age’ due to major European power in politics. The last and longest reigning monarch of the House of Tudor.

Why was Queen Elizabeth I known as the “Virgin Queen”?

She was expected to marry and produce an heir, but despite numerous courtships- she never did.

Huguenots

French protestants who were mainly in southern France and were a part of the merchant class. Targeted by those who wanted to get rid of said minority and Protestantism.

Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre (Aug. 1572)

An event that highlighted a targeted group of assassinations and a wave of catholic mob violence directed against the huguenots. Showed the length of the ruling family that they would go to eliminate protestantism.

Catherine de’ Medici (1547-1559)

A queen consort of France and wife to King Henry II of France. Wanted to rid of Protestantism in constant rebellions towards theological issues- pleasing Catholic parties.

Protestant Wind

The popular English belief that divine intervention sent violent oceanic gales to disperse and destroy the retreating Spanish Armada around the British Isles.

Spanish Armada (1588)

The massive invasion fleet of over 130 ships and 31,000 men sent by Philip II of Spain to rendezvous with the Duke of Parma and depose Elizabeth I.

Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604)

The undeclared armed conflict between Elizabeth I of England and Philip II of Spain, precipitated by religious rivalry, English piracy, and English support for Dutch rebels.

Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-1567)

The most famous ruler of Scotland. The Queen of Scotland and briefly Queen consort of France, who was six days old when inheriting the throne- coming to rule at the age of 8.

Henry IV of France

Also known as “Henry of Navarre”; a huguenot who succeeds the throne as a Protestant King. However, would infamously convert to Catholicism during his rule.