MID - TUDOR CRISIS

• What does the term "Mid-Tudor Crisis" imply about Edward and Mary in comparison to Henry and Elizabeth?

  Edward and Mary were considered the "little Tudors" compared to the "Big Tudors" Henry and Elizabeth.
• How do traditional historians view the reigns of Edward and Mary?

  They view them as unproductive and strife-ridden.
• What factors did traditional historians argue marked the 11 years of Edward and Mary's reigns?

  Religious strife, inefficiency in government, social distress, and failure in foreign policy.
• Why is the concept of the Mid-Tudor Crisis popular among historians?

  It reflects the importance of Henry and Elizabeth's reigns, particularly their break from Rome and prominence of Protestantism.
• What appeals to historians regarding Henry and Elizabeth during the British Empire and post-colonialism?

  The anti-France stance of Henry and the defeat of Spain by Elizabeth.
• How do conservative historians view the Mid-Tudor Crisis in relation to Henry and Elizabeth?

  They continue to support the idea of a Mid-Tudor Crisis and emphasize the appeal of Henry and Elizabeth.
• How are Edward and Mary portrayed in contrast to Henry and Elizabeth?

  Edward is seen as a sickly child controlled by others, and Mary as a simple woman influenced by foreigners.
• What do modern historians argue about the reigns of Edward and Mary?

  They argue that much of the "Little Tudors'" reigns were significant and that crises were also present in Henry and Elizabeth's reigns.
• What constitutes a "crisis" in historical terms?

  • A threat of invasion
  • Government loses control
  • Many problems arise
  • All of society is involved
• Can a 20-year period be classified as a "crisis"?

  It can have moments of crisis rather than being a continuous crisis.
• What were some reasons supporting the existence of a Mid-Tudor Crisis?

  Dynastic crisis, religious crisis, economic crisis, poor harvests, disease, and unemployment.
• What arguments suggest that there was not a Mid-Tudor Crisis?


  The government never lost control, and the 1549 rebellions did not aim to overthrow it.
• How did Somerset's governance affect the council during his rule?

  He neglected the council and worked through his own council instead.
• What was the impact of Somerset's preoccupation with war on governance?


  Problems worsened, and no reforms were introduced.
• Were the 1549 rebellions a threat to the government under Somerset?

  Yes, in some cases, local gentry failed to deal with the risings, requiring central government intervention.
• What were some reasons the 1549 rebellions were not a threat to the government?

  There was no cooperation between uprisings, and they were not directed at the government or monarch.
• What changes occurred under Northumberland's governance?

  He restored the privy council to the center of government.
• What economic issues persisted under Northumberland's rule?

  Population and unemployment were rising, and living standards were falling.
• What was the impact of the Antwerp cloth market collapse in 1550?

  It contributed to the economic difficulties of the period.
• How did the 1551 debasement affect the economy?

  It increased inflation.
• What was the effect of rising grain prices during this period?


  It contributed to the economic crisis and social distress.
• What was the purpose of the Treason Act during this period?

  It restored censorship.
• How did the new poor law under Northumberland affect local authorities?

  It made it easier for local authorities to aid the poor, but underlying problems still existed.
• What issues did the privy council face under Mary?

  It was too big, and many members had little experience, leading to rivalry.
• How did the relationship between Catholics and Moderates evolve during Mary's reign?

  Modern historians believe the two groups cooperated decently despite initial rivalry.
• How did Mary demonstrate a lack of confidence in her council?

  She preferred to consult Renard rather than her council.
• What was the nature of parliamentary debates during Mary's reign?

  They were lively and generally constructive, with opposition to many of Mary's policies.
• What were some of the challenges Mary faced during her reign?

  She experienced bad harvests, outbreaks of illness, and high mortality rates.
• How did the government respond to hoarding during Mary's reign?

  It encouraged local authorities to take action against hoarders.
• What efforts did the government make to improve trade during Mary's reign?

  It attempted to encourage trade between other countries and foster positive relationships.