Was rebellion inevitable in 1549?

Aims

• To examine the legislation passed in 1549• To understand the problems this legislation

caused for Somerset• To decide whether rebellion was inevitable in

1549

War

Religious Reforms

Revenue

Rising population

Rising unemployment

Continuing inflation and

debasement of coinage

Short Term Problems

• Somerset inherited three pressing short-term problems from the previous reign.

• To continue the wars against France and Scotland

• The question of religious reform• How to find ways of raising more revenue.

Long Term Problems

• Rising population• Continuing inflation and debasement• High taxation

• The administration was well aware that was rising popular discontent over the worsening economic conditions

Acts introduced by Somerset

• Treason Act 1547• Chantries Act 1547• Vagrancy and Public Order Act 1547

Act Summary of Act Impact

Enclosure

Fencing-off of common land for sheep pasture and the consequent eviction of

husbandmen and cottagers.

Caused inflation and unemployment.

Commissioners were sent out to investigate abuses.

Tax issued on wool.Overall increased unrest.

Treason Act

Chantries Act

Vagrancy and Public Order

So was rebellion inevitable?

• Rebellion was inevitable because…….

• No rebellion was inevitable because……