Henry VII | Society / Rebellions Flashcards
(9 cards)
Which structure was society under during Henry VIIs reign ?
How was this opposed by the conservative upper-class of society ?
The feudal system was still present, however society becme less structured due to the growing professional/mercantile group which formed a middle class, and the increased social mobility due to the economic pressures of the “Black Death”
Due to a decrease in social structure, upper classes saw their poition in threat, so attempted to uphold traditional values by passing the “Sumptuary Laws” to attempt to reinstate the once dominant social hierachy, however this was unenforcable, therefore the decreased distinction between social classes in Henrys reign is clear.
What did society look like in terms of structure ?
Societal power was split between the church and the rest of society.
What was the hierachy of the church look like in Henry VIIs reign ?
What was the role of each rank within the church ?
- Archbishops
- Bishops
- Clergymen
The Archbishops, were a very significsnt part of the government, meaning the church held power within politics and governance. Whereas the Bishops, were important as they held government offices throuhout the country, furthering the churches political role. And the role of the clergy was to work within the church, such as priests etc, giving them purely relieous power, however their role in society allowed them to regulate society and maintain stability through enforcing religeon.
What did the hierachy of society look like in Henry VIIs reign ?
What was the role of each rank within society ?
- Nobility
- Gentry
- Yeomen | Citizens
- Labourers
- Beggars / Vagrants
The Nobilty, were significant in Government and held titles such as Dukes, Earls, Barons, aswell as holding land and offering hospitality to the king. The Gentry, were gentlemen who lived in large houses in the country, and held local power, they were also responsible for providing armies for war. Citizens, were rich merchants and craftsmen based in towns, who traded goods and prospered - forming a middle class or the “Bourgeoisie”. Yeoman were rich farmers who own or rent land in the country and employed labourers whose role was to work the land in exchange for a wage, or hospitality. However labourers were alos employed by Citizens or shopkeepers.
How did the lives of the poor improve during Henrys reign ?
How did the lives of the poor worsen ?
-Real wages increased
-Does not appear to be much social discontent
-Avoidance of subsistence crises
An increase in taxation, due to extraordinary revenue, leading to the two revolts.
What was evidence of regional divisions in England ?
Why is this significant ?
-Differences in agriculture
-North South divide
-Justice had to be enforced at a County level
The north-south divide was particularly significnt, due to the disarity of wealth and access to education etc, which often led to more northern revolts in comparison to southern, throughout the Tudor era. Also the fact justice was administered at a county level was signicicant, as it was due to the fact that adhereing to laws which are enforced in another county to you, such as London, may lead to resentment, and worsen the northern resentment for southerners for example, so local justice aimed to build respect and quash revolt to the legal system.
Which two revolts took place in Henry VIIs reign ?
What does this signify ?
-Yorkshire Rebellion (1489)
-Cornish rebllion (1497)
This signfys clear opposition to Henrys miserly politics and use of extraordinary revenue, as both rebellions fiercley opposed taxation, which Henry primarily used to financially control England, which was albeit successful, the population opposed it due to the effect is had on personal levels.
What are the details of the Yorkshire Rebellion ?
What was the cause ?
What action was taken ?
How was it defeated ?
What consequences did it have ?
Was caused purely by an opposition to Henrys high Taxation. In rebellion, the rebels murdered the Earl of Northumberland, who administered the tax. However the rebellion was easily suppressed by 8,000 of Henry’s men, which put an end to trouble in the north and the Earl of Surrey was appointed to keep the peace.
What are the details of the Cornish Rebellion ?
What was the cause ?
What action was taken ?
How was it defeated ?
What consequences did it have ?
Caused by Henrys demand for extraordinary revenue to finance war against Scotland. This was a very threatening revolt with 15,000 men involved. Coincided with Warbecks rebellion from Scotland, stretching Henrys forces across England. The rebels marched on London, reaching Deptford bridge before the revolt was suppressed by Lord Daubeney and his troops .In the end the rebel leaders were executed but leniency was shown to the rest.
