3.2 The problem of the poor

Question 1

What were the main reasons for the rise in poverty? (4)

Answer 1

• Population rise
• Enclosure
• Debasement
• Poor harvest

Question 2

How did this factor increase poverty?

Population increase (LT)
(2)

Answer 2

• Malthusian catastrophe outstripped resources (3m - >4m) → food prices and food shortages↑.
• Increasing population meant competition for land ↑ → rents ↑.

Question 3

How did this factor increase poverty?

Poor harvests (ST)
(2)

Answer 3

• Majority of population dependent on food harvest which were poor (1560s-70s) → food shortages and prices ↑.
• Food prices ↑faster than wages → standard of living ↓ as many struggled to afford necessities.

Question 4

How did this factor increase poverty?

Enclosure (LT)
(2)

Answer 4

• Fewer labourers required in new enclosed fields → tenant farmers evicted and unemployment ↑.
• Popularity in sheep farming ↑ replacing crop farming → food prices ↑ and likely to suffer from food shortages due to bad harvests ↑.

Question 5

How did this factor increase poverty?

Henry VIII (LT)
(2)

Answer 5

• Debased currency when at war with France → value of coin ↓ so prices ↑.
• ‘Dissolution of the monasteries’ → social functions, such as assisting and supporting poor, ill and disabled↓.