Foreign Policy and Rebellions Under Edward VI

Edward VI's foreign policy was primarily shaped by the actions of his regents, the Duke of Somerset and later the Duke of Northumberland. The reign faced significant challenges both abroad and at home.

Foreign Policy:

1. Somerset's main objective was to arrange a marriage between Edward VI and Mary Queen of Scots.
2. This led to conflict with Scotland, culminating in the Battle of Pinkie in 1547.
3. France intervened in Scotland, sending troops and warships.
4. In 1550, under Northumberland, the Treaty of Boulogne was signed with France.

Example: The Edward VI foreign policy timeline shows a shift from aggressive expansion under Somerset to a more conciliatory approach under Northumberland.

Rebellions of 1549:

1. Western Rebellion: Caused by religious changes, particularly the Book of Common Prayer.
2. Kett's Rebellion: Sparked by resentment over land enclosures.

Definition: Enclosure - the process of fencing off common land for private use, often leading to social unrest.

These events highlight the domestic challenges faced during Edward VI's reign, as religious and social changes led to significant unrest.

Quote: "Rebels were stopped by the Earl of Warwick and there were total of 4000 casualties on both sides" - This statement underscores the severity of Kett's Rebellion.

The period also saw economic challenges, including the debasement of coinage leading to high inflation, and the selling of crown lands to fund wars, which would have long-term implications for royal finances.

The Fall of Somerset and Northumberland

The final years of Edward VI's reign were marked by political intrigue and a succession crisis, culminating in the falls of both the Duke of Somerset and the Duke of Northumberland.

Fall of Somerset (1549):

1. Somerset was arrested under the council's direction in October 1549.
2. He was briefly released and allowed to rejoin the Privy Council in February 1550.
3. Rumors of Somerset attempting to seize power led to his re-arrest and execution for treason.

Northumberland's Regency and Fall (1550-1553):

1. Northumberland abandoned the practice of coin debasement after one final instance.
2. He seized church wealth to improve royal finances.
3. The Treaty of Boulogne in 1550 brought £133,333 to England from France.

Succession Crisis and "The Devyse":

1. Edward VI and Northumberland devised a plan called "The Devyse" to make Mary and Elizabeth illegitimate.
2. The plan aimed to make Lady Jane Grey queen to protect Protestant reforms.
3. Edward's death before the plan could be legalized led to its failure.
4. Lady Jane Grey reigned for only nine days before Mary I took the throne.
5. Northumberland was executed following this failed attempt to alter the succession.

Highlight: The succession crisis following Edward VI's death highlights the political instability of the Mid Tudor crisis period.

This tumultuous end to Edward VI's reign set the stage for Mary I's accession and the temporary return to Catholicism, further complicating the religious and political landscape of Tudor England.

Edward VI's Religious Reforms

Edward VI's reign from 1547 to 1553 marked a period of significant religious change in England. Under the regencies of the Duke of Somerset and later the Duke of Northumberland, the country saw a shift towards Protestant reforms.

Key religious changes included:

1. The Treason Act, which made it a crime to question the Act of Supremacy and the beliefs of the English Church.
2. Widespread iconoclasm, reflecting the attitudes of reformers like Nicholas Ridley.
3. Royal Injunctions attacking Catholic practices and decorations.
4. Dissolution of chantries, eliminating prayers for the dead.
5. The Act of Uniformity, introducing English worship and communion practices.
6. Introduction of the Book of Common Prayer in 1549, translating Latin services to English.
7. Instructions to replace altars with communion tables and remove clerical vestments.
8. The 42 Articles, defining the essentials of the Church of England's faith.

Highlight: The introduction of the Book of Common Prayer in 1549 was a pivotal moment in the Mid Tudor crisis religion, as it standardized English worship practices.

Vocabulary: Iconoclasm - the destruction of religious images or opposition to their use in worship.

These reforms significantly altered the religious landscape of England, moving it firmly towards Protestantism during Edward VI's short reign.