Political Nation 1600s Flashcards
The Political Nation and the social basis of power: the importance of land ownership; rival forms of wealth including merchants (34 cards)
Why was London described as “eating up the trade of the whole kingdom”?
Because its size and wealth caused envy among merchants in outports who believed London dominated national trade
What made childbirth dangerous in the 1600s?
Lack of medical knowledge and hygiene made it life-threatening for women
Who organized the militia in 1600s England?
Deputy lieutenants in each county
What is a royal charter?
A document granting special rights and privileges to boroughs
What was one benefit of having a royal charter for a borough?
The ability to send two Members of Parliament (MPs)
Where did the vast majority of people live in the 16th century?
In the countryside
What was the population of England and Wales in 1600?
Approximately 5.5 million
Why did the steady population rise throughout the 16th century cause problems?
It put pressure on resources, increased unemployment, and caused inflation
What was the largest city in Europe in 1600?
London
Who viewed the size and wealth of London with envy and concern?
Merchants from outports like Hull and King’s Lynn
What was the average age of death for most people in the 1600s?
30
Why is the average age of death in the 1600s likely distorted?
High child mortality rates skewed the average
Why were women and children particularly at risk during this period?
Childbirth was very dangerous
What was the main livelihood of the majority of people living in the countryside in 1600?
Agriculture
What was England’s main export in 1600?
Cloth
Why was cloth production considered agricultural?
It depended on sheep grazing, as cloth came from wool
Why were bad harvests significant in the 1600s?
They could lead to starvation and price rises in winter
Why did demand for produce increase in the 1600s?
Because of population growth
What was England’s main export before cloth?
Wool
By the 17th century, what type of cloth did England mostly export?
Unfinished cloth
What does “unfinished” mean in terms of cloth?
It still needs to be dyed and dressed into garments
Where was English cloth typically finished after production?
In the Netherlands
What held back cloth production in England?
Guild restrictions and poor communication and transport
What was the only military force in England in 1600?
The militia, along with a few garrisons and the Royal Court
