Causes

• Henry VIII made life for the poor harder by limiting nobles' retinues (soldiers out of work), closing monasteries (stopper their charity work), and debasing coins to save money
• Failures in Agriculture: England had bad harvests 1594-98- led to food shortages, starvation, and plague outbreaks and land enclosure led to increased sheep farming, reducing labor needs, joblessness, and homelessness, so many left for cities, but not enough jobs to support populations
• Population increase: During her reign, population grew from 2.8 mil to 4 mil due to increased birth and death rates, while limited housing led to increased rents and evictions
• Price Rises: Poor harvests, Spanish exploration (increased silver), and a severe flu outbreak in 1556 led to food scarcity, price inflation, and a reduction in European currency value