To what extent was there a crisis of government in the years 1547 to 1571?

Paragraph 1: The Crisis of Government under Edward VI (1547-1553)

  • Point: The early years of Edward VI’s reign saw a crisis of government characterized by factionalism, weak royal authority, and religious upheaval.

  • Evidence:

    • Edward’s Youth: Edward VI was only nine years old when he became king, leading to a regency under the Duke of Somerset, followed by the Duke of Northumberland. The monarchy was largely driven by the ambitions and infighting of these factions.

    • Somerset’s Rule: Somerset’s reign was marked by political instability, largely due to his autocratic style and failure to maintain effective control over the court. His policies, such as the dissolution of the remaining monasteries and aggressive religious reforms, led to social unrest, including the Western Rebellion (1549) and the Kett’s Rebellion (1549).

    • Northumberland’s Coup: In 1550, the overthrow of Somerset by Northumberland further destabilized the government, as it represented an additional layer of factionalism. Northumberland’s rule was marked by further religious reforms, which increased tension, especially with Catholic factions.

  • Explanation: The crisis under Edward VI was exacerbated by factional struggles and a weak central authority. The country was largely governed by ambitious nobles rather than a strong monarchy, which led to civil unrest and widespread discontent.

  • Historical Concept:

    • Cause and Consequence: The cause of the crisis was the absence of a strong, capable ruler and the power struggles within the regency. The consequences included political instability, popular revolts, and growing religious tensions.

    • Change and Continuity: This period marked a significant shift from the strong centralized rule of Henry VIII to a fractured government, with internal rivalries overshadowing the monarchy.

    • Significance: The crisis of government under Edward VI was significant in terms of its immediate impact on governance, but it was not a permanent breakdown, as Elizabeth and later monarchs would restore stability.

Paragraph 2: The Crisis of Government during Mary I’s Reign (1553-1558)

  • Point: Mary I’s reign also presented significant challenges to government, largely due to her unpopularity, religious policies, and foreign policy failures.

  • Evidence:

    • Marriage to Philip II of Spain: Mary’s marriage to Philip II of Spain in 1554 alienated many English people, who feared the growing influence of Spain. The marriage led to the Wyatt Rebellion (1554), a direct challenge to her rule, though it was suppressed.

    • Religious Reforms: Mary’s attempt to restore Catholicism through the burning of Protestants (the Marian Persecutions) was deeply unpopular and created lasting divisions within English society. This religious crisis weakened her support among key political and social groups.

    • Failed Military Campaigns: Mary’s failure to defend England’s interests in France, particularly the loss of Calais in 1558, was seen as a national humiliation and further undermined her authority.

  • Explanation: Mary I’s government faced multiple crises, both from domestic opposition to her religious policies and from her foreign policy failures. These issues destabilized her reign, but she was able to hold power until her death in 1558, despite the lack of significant support.

  • Historical Concept:

    • Cause and Consequence: The causes of the crisis were Mary’s unpopular marriage, harsh religious policies, and failed foreign policy. The consequences included rebellion, a weakened monarchy, and lasting religious divisions in England.

    • Change and Continuity: Mary’s reign continued the religious turbulence initiated under Henry VIII and Edward VI, but her marriage to Philip II marked a departure from England's traditional distrust of foreign influence.

    • Significance: Though Mary’s reign was marked by a crisis of governance, particularly due to her religious policies, the monarchy itself remained intact. The political stability of the monarchy would improve after her death.

Paragraph 3: The Stabilization of Government under Elizabeth I (1558-1571)

  • Point: Elizabeth I’s reign saw the resolution of many of the crises faced by her predecessors, largely due to her skillful management of domestic politics, religion, and foreign policy.

  • Evidence:

    • Elizabeth’s Leadership: Elizabeth’s pragmatic approach to religious policy, through the Elizabethan Religious Settlement (1559), helped to stabilize religious tensions. She avoided the extremes of both Catholicism and Protestantism, which appealed to a broad section of society and the nobility.

    • The Threat of Catholic Rebellion: Although there were some Catholic uprisings and plots (e.g., the Northern Rebellion of 1569), Elizabeth’s ability to suppress these threats showed the government’s growing strength under her leadership.

    • Diplomacy and the Spanish Threat: Elizabeth’s foreign policy, particularly her cautious stance toward Spain, helped to avoid major conflicts, despite the looming threat of Philip II. The Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis (1559) ended the war with France and secured England’s position in Europe.

  • Explanation: Elizabeth’s ability to manage both domestic and international pressures allowed her to stabilize the monarchy and resolve the crises that had plagued her predecessors. Her adept handling of religious and political divisions enabled the government to function more cohesively.

  • Historical Concept:

    • Cause and Consequence: Elizabeth’s leadership and careful balance in religion and politics were key to resolving the crisis of government. The consequence was the stabilization of the monarchy and the establishment of a relatively strong government by 1571.

    • Change and Continuity: Elizabeth’s reign marked a shift from the factionalism and instability of the previous reigns. However, the monarchy’s need to balance religious factions remained a constant theme.

    • Significance: Elizabeth’s reign marked the end of the acute governmental crises that had plagued England in the previous decades. While challenges remained, her strong leadership and effective governance transformed the political situation.

Paragraph 4: The Role of External Threats and Social Unrest

  • Point: While political crises were significant, external threats (such as from Spain and France) and social unrest also played important roles in challenging the government during this period.

  • Evidence:

    • Foreign Threats: The threat from Spain, particularly under Philip II, was a constant concern. While this did not result in immediate military conflict, it posed a long-term challenge to Elizabeth’s government, culminating in the Spanish Armada of 1588 (just after the period in question).

    • Social Unrest: The Northern Rebellion (1569) and various smaller uprisings indicated underlying dissatisfaction with Elizabeth’s religious and political authority. These events threatened the stability of the government but were ultimately contained.

  • Explanation: External threats and social unrest put pressure on the government but did not result in a full crisis, as the government was able to respond effectively.

  • Historical Concept:

    • Cause and Consequence: The causes of these crises were both external (threats from foreign powers) and internal (discontent with religious policies). The consequence was heightened political tensions, though Elizabeth’s government effectively addressed these challenges.

    • Change and Continuity: The social unrest and foreign threats during Elizabeth’s reign mirrored the challenges faced by earlier monarchs, but her stronger government response was a departure from previous periods of instability.

    • Significance: Though external threats and social unrest presented challenges, they did not result in a full crisis of government, as the monarchy remained secure.