EDWARD VI

• Who were the two main figures governing Edward VI during his reign?

  Somerset and Northumberland
• What was the purpose of the Regency Council established after Henry VIII's death?

  To exercise power during Edward's minority and prevent power from falling into a single source
• How did Somerset's actions towards the Regency Council reflect his political ambitions?

  He overthrew the Regency Council and declared himself the King's Protector
• How did Somerset govern the Protectorate?

  With members of his own household, with only one being a member of the privy council
• What was the public sentiment towards Somerset's governance?

  The Privy Council began to resent Somerset and the Protectorate
• What was the significance of Cramner's Homily on Obedience published during Somerset's rule?

  It stressed the importance of obeying the law amidst fears of law and order breakdown
• Who was Thomas Seymour in relation to Somerset?

  He was Somerset's brother
• What actions did Thomas Seymour take to oppose Somerset?

  He sought to turn Edward VI against Somerset and plotted with Southampton
• What were the consequences of Seymour's actions against Somerset?


  Somerset brought treason charges against Seymour due to his behavior
• What was Somerset's foreign policy goal regarding Scotland?

  To defeat Scotland and reassert Edward's feudal suzerainty over the country
• What was the outcome of Somerset's invasion of Scotland?

  It was disastrous due to difficult forts and French support for Scotland
• How did Somerset finance his foreign policy?

  By debasing the coinage, which added to social distress
• What was the impact of Somerset's foreign policy on his relationship with the Privy Council?


  It worsened their resentment towards him
• How did Somerset's religious beliefs influence his governance?

  He appeared to be a genuine convert to Protestantism, influencing religious changes
• What significant act was passed in 1547 regarding religious images?


  A denunciation of images in London
• What was the purpose of the Injunctions reissued in 1547?

  To attack features of popular Catholicism
• What was the significance of the 1549 Book of Common Prayer?

  It was written in English and excluded the elevation of the host
• What did the Act of Uniformity in 1549 establish?

  The Book of Common Prayer as the only legal form of worship
• What characterized the unrest of 1549 during Somerset's rule?

  It was marked by major rebellions and considerable disorder throughout the country
• What were common grievances that led to the rebellions in 1549?

  Resentment of tax, social conflict, and enclosures
• What was the Western Rebellion also known as?

  The "Prayer Book Rebellion"
• What motivated the Western Rebellion?

  Religious grievances and a desire to revert to traditional Catholicism
• What was Kett's Rebellion primarily motivated by?

  Social conflict and class differences
• How did Somerset respond to the rebellions?

  He sent Lord Russell to deal with the Western rebellion, but it was slow and ineffective
• What was the outcome of Kett's Rebellion?

  It was brutally suppressed, with 3000 rebels killed in battle
• What did Somerset's inability to handle the rebellions indicate about his leadership?

  It crushed his political credibility and raised doubts about his governance
• What was the financial state of the country under Somerset?

  The country was in a financial mess due to debased coinage and failed foreign policy
• How did Somerset's vision of England-Scotland unity end?

  It was ruined due to the failures of his foreign policy
• What was the reaction of the council to Somerset's failures?

  Many councillors felt his failures were due to his dictatorial approach and lack of consultation
• What led to the coup against Somerset?

  His dictatorial attitude and the creation of enemies among the council
• Who were the key figures involved in the coup against Somerset?

  The Earl of Warwick, Southampton, and Arundel
• What was the outcome of Somerset's realization of his precarious position?

  He retreated with the King and eventually surrendered
• Who became Lord President of the Council after Somerset?

  Northumberland
• How did Northumberland's governance differ from Somerset's?

  He avoided the concentration of power that had ruined Somerset
• What was Northumberland's approach to religious governance?

  He continued Protestant reforms and extracted wealth from the church
• What was the significance of the 1552 Revised Book of Common Prayer?

  It removed all traces of Catholicism and simplified services
• What was the impact of Northumberland's religious changes on church attendance?

  There was evidence of a decline in church attendance
• What was the outcome of Northumberland's foreign policy?

  He made peace with France and withdrew troops from Scotland
• What was the succession plan outlined in Henry VIII's will?

  Edward first, then Mary if Edward had no heir
• What was the significance of the Devise created by Edward VI?

  It named Lady Jane Grey as heir to the throne to preserve Protestantism