Mary I: Rebellion and unrest Flashcards
What rebellion did Mary face?
Mary dealt with one serious instance of rebellion. Wyatt’s rebellion 1554.
What were the causes of Wyatt’s rebellion?
It was primarily driven by a combination of political, religious, and economic factors. One cause was the Queen’s proposed marriage to Philip II of Spain, which stirred fears of foreign influence. However, the primary factor was religion as the key figures in the rebellion were Protestant and planned to crown Elizabeth should their uprising be successful. There were also economic factors that people involved in the rebellion were not happy with, such as the collapse of the cloth trade.
Who led the rebellion and what was its aim?
The rebellion, led by figures like Thomas Wyatt the Younger, saw rebel forces gather in January 1554 and march on London in February, aiming to overthrow Mary I and prevent the marriage.
They aimed to do 4 uprisings before marching through London. Only 1 was carried through. Many of the royal soldiers Mary had sent to stamp out Wyatt’s rebellion had actually joined Wyatt.
What was Mary’s response to Wyatt’s rebellion?
Instead of fleeing, Mary gave a famous speech using her femineity and themes of motherly love to inspire London to protect her crown. This worked and Wyatt’s rebellion failed to breach the city’s defenses, leading to the siege’s collapse and the capture of rebel leaders. The government swiftly suppressed the rebellion through decisive action, resulting in the execution of key rebel figures totaling roughly 100 people.
How significant was Wyatt’s rebellion?
While Wyatt’s rebellion showcased widespread discontent and religious tensions, its limited geographic spread, lack of broad popular support, and rapid suppression suggest it was not an existential threat to the monarchy. Nonetheless, it highlighted the fragility of Mary I’s rule and the religious divisions within England during her reign.
