Assess the reasons for the decline in the frequency of rebellion in England in the period from 1485 to 1603.

Question 1

Why did frequency in rebellion decline in the Tudor period?

Answer 1

• The decline in dynastic unrest
• The decline in religious unrest
• The decline in social and economic unrest
• Government action and the decline in unrest

Question 2

Why did dynastic unrest decline?

Answer 2

• Most English rebellions occurred at the beginning of the period - when the Tudor dynasty was very vulnerable.
• HVII faced five serious revolts, three of which aimed to overthrow him.
• Dynastic factors that had underpinned Yorkist rebellions lost impetus as the Tudors systematically removed pretenders and claimants.
• 1541, Henry VIII still eliminating members of the Pole family - thereafter there were no more members of the House
• As the Tudors became more secure, alternative claimants died out and people grew accustomed to their rule.

Question 3

Why did religious unrest decline?

Answer 3

• Reformation was a source of provocation to many English, and religious issues in 1536 and 1549, and to a lesser extent in 1569, lay behind rebellions.
• Elizabethan church settlement of 1559 was a moderate policy that satisfied most religious groups.
• Moreover, the government and the church held back from strictly enforcing its terms.
• After 1549, religion ceased to be a major issue worthy of rebellion.

Question 4

Why did social and economic unrest decline?

Answer 4

• Social and economic problems, which could frequently be a source of discontent, peaked in the 1540s.
• Although difficulties remained for the rest of the period, issues such as … eased:
- Enclosure
- Excessive taxation - after AG learnt not to impose novelty non-parliamentary taxes
- Hyperinflation
- Poor tenant-landlord relations - reviewed and improvements made after PoG.

Question 5

What impact did government action have on the decline in unrest?

Answer 5

• Issues of major concern came to be aired and often resolved at court, in Council and in Parliament.
• After 1570, Elizabeth faced only one rebellion of note, and this lasted for less than 12 hours.
• Mary and Elizabeth took measures to make sure that the poor and unemployed were helped rather than punished - prevented the outbreak of disturbances in the second half of the 16th century
• JPs and Lords Lieutenant kept closer eye on local tensions & endeavoured to overcome potential difficulties before out of hand.
- People encouraged to resolve problems by peaceful means rather than by acts of lawlessness.