Jack Cade’s Rebellion Flashcards
(16 cards)
What was the context of Jack Cade’s Rebellion in 1450?
England was in crisis due to spiralling government debt (£372,000 by 1450, increasing by £20,000 annually), loss of Normandy to the French, and returning soldiers who were defeated and unpaid.
What were the aims of Jack Cade’s Rebellion?
The aims included punishing corrupt officials, restoring justice, ending nepotism, stopping over-taxation, and linking to Richard of York.
Who were some of the corrupt officials targeted by the rebels?
The rebels aimed to punish officials like Lord Saye and William Crowmer.
What reforms did the rebels demand?
The rebels demanded the removal of ‘evil counsellors’ and reforms to royal finances.
What was the rebels’ stance on taxation?
They sought to stop over-taxation that burdened the commons.
How did Cade link himself to Richard of York?
Cade called himself ‘Mortimer’, suggesting they wanted York to replace Somerset as chief councillor.
What regions showed widespread support for the rebellion?
Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Essex, and parts of London.
Who were many of the rebels in the rebellion?
Veteran soldiers, angry at government failure abroad and economic neglect at home.
What significant event occurred on 4 July 1450?
Cade’s forces entered London and held it for several days, executing high-profile officials like Lord Saye and the Sheriff of Kent.
What weakness of Henry VI’s regime did the rebellion exploit?
The king had fled, showing how vulnerable the government was.
How did the rebels express their grievances?
They wrote formal complaints, indicating they were a politically motivated group with a reform agenda.
What happened to discipline once the rebels entered London?
Discipline collapsed, leading to looting and violence that turned citizens against them.
What event on 8 July changed the situation for the rebels?
The battle at London Bridge, where citizens physically pushed them out of the city.
What happened to Cade after the rebellion?
Cade fled, was captured near Lewes, and died from wounds before his trial.
How did the rebels’ actions affect their image regarding Henry VI?
Although they claimed not to want to overthrow him, their use of Yorkist rhetoric and violent action made them appear as traitors to some.
What was the overall verdict on the rebellion?
It was a massive political earthquake, showing the fragility of Henry VI’s rule and foreshadowing Yorkist opposition, but lacked leadership or noble support for real change.
