Stability of Monarchy
In what year was the third act of succession issued under Henry VIII?
1543
How did Henry foreshadow concerns about the stability of the monarchy before his death?
establishement of a regency council, a balance of reformists under Somerset and catholics under Gardiner and Norfolk.
How was the regency council undermined?
by the actions of Paget and Denny who controlled the dry stamp and left plenty of room for details to be added about the council when Henry was close to death and unable to prevent them. Henry's death was then kept quiet for days to help consolidate the reformists position.
give two previous examples of minors on the throne:
Henry VI (war of roses), Edward V (12 years old)
Name five concerns of a minor on the throne:
unable to lead troops into battle, other states may look to exploit the weakness of a minor and attack, england may return to civil war, would not be able to control factional struggles, concerns about his image and portraying him as strong and militarily adept.
Why was Somerset's assumption of power unsurprising?
he was Edward's uncle and had built up a successful reputation as a soldier in the scottish campaigns in the 1540s. some questioned the legality of his power as it went against Henry's wishes.
Why was Britain sceptical to appoint a female monarch?
there had only been one previous queen (matilda) which broke England out into civil war. some countries even excluded women through the salic law.
Name 3 reasons it was feared a female ruler would weaken the monarchy:
a woman would be unable to control faction, she could not lead an army into battle, a woman was expected to marry and be subservient to her husband.
What problmes did marriage raise for a female ruler?
if Mary married an Englishman the power of her husbands family would dominate the courts. if she married a foreigner she could drag the country into foreign affairs.
Who was John Knox?
Scottish theologian. had the view that it was unnatural and insulting to god for a woman to rule.
name the two candidates for Mary to marry:
Edward Courtenay, Earl of Deon, backed by Gardiner. Philip of Spain, backed by Paget.
Why did Mary prefer Philip?
although Courtenay was a descendent of royal blood, marrying Philip would bring her closer to Habsburgs, the family which her mother Catherine of Aragon was related to. he was a powerful ruler who could protect her.
What were the issues with Mary's marriage to Philip?
she was expected to be subservient to him so she could be dragged into wars that would not benefit the nation. these fears played a significant role in the wyatt rebellion.
when did Mary inform the council that it was her intention to marry Philip?
October 1553, there was a petition from the House of Commons but she ignored it. her marriage treaty was approved in January 1554.
Describe the instability caused by the january 1554 rebellion:
Treaty and reassurances did not prevent rebellion. this was only six months after the defeat of Lady jane Grey and can be used as further evidence to suggest a female ruler caused instability. plotting began as soon as there was a mention of a marriage and members of the political elite, Sir james Croft, Sir Peter Carew and Sir Thomas Wyatt, who had served under Henry VIII and Edward feared they would be replaced by Spaniards who would dominate the court and government. The initial plan was a 4 pronged rising based in Devon, Leicestershire, Kent and the Welsh borders, but only kent rose.