Poverty

• The growing number of people living in poverty was a major problem in Elizabethan society.
• Religious changes meant there was less support for the poor

  . Between 1536 and 1541, Henry VIII had closed down England's monasteries and sold off most of their land (this was called the 'dissolution of the monasteries').

  . The monasteries had performed important social functions, including providing support for may people who were poor, ill, or had disabilities. The dissolution of the monasteries removed a valuable source of assistance for people need.
• What was the English population during Elizabeth's reign?

  At least 4 million
• What caused the huge population growth in 16th century England?

  Increased birth rate and decreased death rate
• How did food production compare to population growth in 16th century England?

  Food production didn't keep pace with population growth
• What happened to prices for food and goods during this period?

  Prices rose much more quickly than wages
• What was the impact of rising prices on workers' standards of living?

  Many workers struggled and fell into poverty
• What was the effect of rapid population growth on land competition?

  Increased competition for land and higher rents
• How did changes in farming practices affect rents during this period?

  They worsened the trend of increasing rents
• What was the birth rate trend in 16th century England?

  It increased
• What was the trend of the death rate in 16th century England?

  It fell
• What was the population of England at the start of Elizabeth's reign?

  Around 3 million
• What was the consequence of rising prices for many workers?

  They were forced into poverty
• What was the impact of developments in agriculture on employment?

  Many people became unemployed
• What characterized traditional farming methods?

  Farmers rented strips of land in open fields
• What is subsistence-level farming?

  Growing enough crops for oneself and family
• Why was traditional farming considered inefficient?

  It involved many farmers sharing land
• What change did landowners make in the 16th century?

  They enclosed open fields to create large farms
• What was the effect of creating large farms on labor needs?

  Fewer laborers were required
• What happened to farmers who rented land after enclosures?

  They were evicted and left unemployed
• How did enclosures affect migration patterns?

  Many people migrated to towns or cities
• How did the government view migrant workers?

  As 'vagabonds' who might cause unrest
• Why did landowners shift from grain to sheep farming?

  Exporting wool was more profitable
• What was the consequence of reduced grain production?

  Rising food prices and higher risk of shortages
• What risk increased due to bad harvests?

  Higher risk of food shortages
• Poverty got worse in the 1590s

  The problem of poverty reached a crisis point towards the end of Elizabeth's reign. In the late 1580s and 1590s, England suffered several failed harvests, which led to food shortages and even higher food prices. This pushed even more people into extreme poverty - in some areas people starved to death.
• Elizabeth's government introduced a series of Poor Laws to try and tackle the problem of poverty.
• What became the main source of support for the poor during Elizabeth's reign?

  Government involvement
• Why were charitable donations no longer sufficient during Elizabeth's reign?

  Poverty levels became too severe
• What realization did people come to regarding poverty support?

  Society must collectively help the poor
• What actions did the government take in response to rising poverty levels?

  They began to tackle the problem of poverty
• Why did the government fear rising poverty levels?

  It threatened law and order
• What was the relationship between rising poverty levels and crime rates?

  As poverty rose, crime rates increased
• What events occurred in some places due to rising poverty levels?

  Food riots
• What did the government fear might happen if poverty wasn't addressed?

  The poor might rise up in rebellion
• What were the main factors that led to government involvement in poor relief during Elizabeth's reign?

  • Severe poverty levels
  • Insufficient charitable donations
  • Rising crime rates
  • Fear of rebellion among the poor
• People believed the poor could be split into three categories

  . The Helpless Poor - Those who were unable to support themselves, including orphans, elderly people, the sick or people with disabilities.

  . The Deserving Poor - People who wanted to work, but weren't able to find a job in their home town or village.

  . The Undeserving Poor - Beggars, criminals and people who refused to work. Also migrant workers ('vagabonds') who left their homes and travelled around looking for work.
• What did the Poor Laws provide help for?

  Help for the helpless and deserving poor
• Why were Poor Laws introduced from the 1560s onwards?

  To address the growing problem of poverty
• What significant change did the Poor Law of the 1560s introduce?

  A tax known as the 'poor rate'