Ketts Rebellion Was A Threat Flashcards
(22 cards)
Why was the size of Kett’s Rebellion considered a major threat?
Around 16,000 rebels were involved—larger than many Tudor armies, making it a mass movement.
Why was the capture of Norwich significant?
Norwich was one of England’s largest cities, vital for trade and governance; its loss embarrassed the Crown and disrupted national control.
What does popular support for the rebels suggest about the rebellion’s threat?
It showed widespread dissatisfaction—even some local gentry sympathised—highlighting deep national unrest.
How did Robert Kett’s leadership increase the rebellion’s legitimacy?
He kept discipline, avoided looting, and maintained order in Norwich—making the rebellion seem organised rather than chaotic.
What was the result of the government’s first military response under Northampton?
It completely failed—Northampton fled, damaging royal authority and forcing Somerset to escalate the response.
How did the rebellion cause economic disruption?
With Norwich under rebel control, trade and local economies were paralysed, damaging revenue and worsening unrest.
How did the rebels challenge royal authority directly?
They set up their own justice system at Mousehold Heath, effectively acting as an alternative government.
Why did the timing of Kett’s Rebellion make it more dangerous?
It occurred during the “Year of Rebellions” (1549), alongside the Prayer Book Rebellion—raising fears of collapse if revolts had spread or joined.
Why did the use of foreign mercenaries increase the sense of crisis?
It showed the government’s desperation — relying on outside forces to control English subjects made the Crown look weak and out of touch.
How did Kett’s alternative government at Mousehold Heath undermine Somerset’s rule?
It symbolised a loss of local control, as rebels enforced justice and order without royal permission — directly threatening the Lord Protector’s legitimacy.
In what way did the rebellion reveal cracks in Tudor authority?
The failure of initial military action, rebel occupation of a key city, and public sympathy exposed how fragile royal power could be without military success.
What was the psychological impact of the rebels holding Norwich?
It demonstrated that even a well-defended, strategic city could fall to ordinary people, encouraging unrest elsewhere and shaking elite confidence.
How did the rebellion threaten the national economy beyond Norfolk?
Disruption in a major trading city like Norwich affected regional trade links, cloth production, and wool export — all key parts of the Tudor economy.
Why was the rebellion especially dangerous for Somerset personally?
As Lord Protector, he was blamed for allowing unrest to grow — his reputation and political position were directly undermined by the rebellion’s scale and persistence.
What could have happened if Kett’s Rebellion had linked with others like the Prayer Book Rebellion?
A nationwide uprising could have overwhelmed the Tudor state, leading to regime collapse or civil war — this fear magnified the perceived threat.
Why did the discipline of Kett’s rebel army increase the rebellion’s threat?
Their orderly behaviour, lack of looting, and structured demands made them appear rational and politically credible, not just angry mobs.
What role did the Twenty-Nine Articles play in showing the rebellion’s seriousness?
The rebels presented clear, well-articulated demands — showing they were politically aware and had concrete goals, not just vague anger.
How did the rebellion’s impact on government reputation increase its threat level?
Somerset’s failure to act decisively, and Northampton’s defeat, humiliated the regime and weakened public confidence in central authority.
Why was Norfolk a strategically threatening location for rebellion?
It was agriculturally rich, economically vital (especially in wool/cloth), and politically important — control here threatened national interests.
Why was it significant that Kett’s Rebellion occurred during Edward VI’s minority?
With the young king unable to lead, instability increased — making rebellions seem more likely to succeed and undermining monarchical strength.
Why did Somerset’s social policies unintentionally fuel the rebellion?
His sympathy for the poor and failure to control enclosure made rebels believe they had his support — encouraging large-scale mobilisation.
How did the scale of violence at Dussindale reflect the rebellion’s threat?
Over 3,000 rebels were killed, showing the government saw the threat as grave enough to justify brutal military suppression.
