Lower Fourth History Revision Notes

Henry VII (1485-1509)

  • Wars and Peace:

    • Ended the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne.

  • Marriage:

    • Married Elizabeth of York, which helped unite the warring houses of Lancaster and York, bringing peace to England.

  • King's Achievements:

    • Established stability in England, strengthened the monarchy, and improved financial management.

Henry VIII (1509-1547)

  • Marriages:

    • Had six wives: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, and Catherine Parr.

  • Reformation Beginnings:

    • Initiated the English Reformation mainly due to his desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, leading to the break from the Catholic Church.

  • Effectiveness as a King:

    • Considered a complex ruler; successful in strengthening royal authority but criticized for his personal excesses and the impact of his divorces on the monarchy.

Edward VI (1547-1553), Lady Jane Grey (1553), and Mary (1553-1558)

  • Edward VI:

    • Edward was a minor, and his reign was dominated by regents. Known for moving England further towards Protestantism.

  • Lady Jane Grey:

    • Ruled for only 9 days; her reign was viewed as an attempt by powerful noble families to control the crown.

  • Mary I:

    • Attempted to restore Catholicism and is known for the persecutions of Protestants, gaining her the nickname “Bloody Mary.”

Elizabeth I (1558-1603)

  • Spanish Armada (1588):

    • Successful defense against the Spanish Armada marked a significant point in her reign, asserting England as a major naval power.

  • Golden Age:

    • Her reign is often referred to as a golden age due to cultural flourishing, including the works of Shakespeare, and relative stability in governance.

James I (1603-1625)

  • Divine Right Rule:

    • Believed strongly in the divine right of kings, which caused conflicts with Parliament.

  • Gunpowder Plot (1605):

    • A failed conspiracy to assassinate him and blow up the House of Lords, reflecting the tensions between the monarchy and Catholic dissenters.

Charles I (1625-1649)

  • Parliamentary Conflicts:

    • His disagreements over taxation and governance led to a civil war.

  • Civil War Events:

    • After years of conflict, Parliament emerged victorious due to strategic leadership and resources, while royalists suffered from internal divisions.

  • Fate of Charles I:

    • Executed in 1649, marking a significant turning point in English monarchy and governance.

Oliver Cromwell

  • Achievements:

    • Defeated royalists, established the Commonwealth, and implemented significant military and political reforms.

  • Criticisms:

    • His authoritarian rule and strict Puritan moral code led to dissatisfaction; viewed as a dictator by some historians.