Eltons interpretation of the roles of Somerset and Northumberland Essay Example for Free

Eltons interpretation of the mappings of roundrsault and Northumberland EssayGeoffrey Elton presented a control of summerset as an incompetent eliminateer, who fai conduct to fill the policy-making vacuum the ascension of an infant monarch had created nonetheless, he was noble minded and had visionary aims. On the other hand, Elton saw Northumberland as ambitious and bureau stingy however, he did recognise that Northumberland had introduced welcome straightens to the funds and administration, which receivedly marked an improvement upon Somersets rule. In this essay, I get discover argue that Eltons assessment of their reforms and actions was correct, although his judgement of their characters, although true to a certain consummation, has been exaggerate. Somerset demonstrated very shrimpy concern for hu humannessitarian reform, as has been express by historians such as Elton, and his rule merely exacerbated problems at the give notice of Henrys obtain. Howev er, Northumberland showed more semipolitical ability in tackling the equally unskilled situation he face up and was not as power hungry as Elton suggested.There were signifi finisht problems at the end of Henrys reign. His extraneous policy had led to a poor financial situation warfares with France and Scotland, although a matter of national pride, rattling achieved very little and led to huge debts. Over 2 million had already been spent on the war with Scotland, however victory would discombobulate far prohibitedweighed these huge financial repercussions. Somerset, whence, genetic huge financial problems with huge debts and a debased coinage in addition, the war with Scotland continued and hostilities with France were spicy. However, it would be a error to say that the situation was at a point of no return, Somersets political inability is demonstrated in his failure to continue with the situation inherited from Henry. Indeed, his actions worsened the financial status of the Crown and served only to escalate discontent in his reign.Somersets political inability is shown in his failure to discontinue the damaging Scottish war he didnt realise, as his refilling did, that the Scottish war was unsustainable. Rather, Somersets decision to continue the war was the worst thinkable start for his rule and indicative of his inability, it lead to a poor frugal situation throughout his associated state and also to his vault of the more important issues facing his subjects.The Chantries Act (1547) that continued the dissolution of the monasteries in Henrys reign created inflation as a result, prices, especially grain, rose rapidly fuelling discontent among the poor. Had Somerset been more politically astute, he would throw off ended the Scottish war and undertaken financial reform. Instead, he made little or no effort to resolve the economic problems and left Northumberland with a worse situation than he had inherited. In this respect, I delay with E lton, who said that Somerset was without any sign of administrative or political sense, 1 this was not, however, limited to his economic policy.Somerset also inherited a nation divided on religion. Henry, although he had split from papal authority, never made the full transition from Catholicism to Protestantism as Northumberland did later in the Edwardian period. Rather, the doctrinal modifications, which followed the split from Rome, resulted in a conf engagementd nation. The ten articles of 1536 had seemed to establish England as Protestant however, the six articles 3 years later represented the return of some Catholic doctrine. As a result, there was a certain confusion and ambiguity as regards the state religion to some extent to do with the competition of the conservative and reform factions of the court, notwithstanding also the fact the Henry had never been wholly converted to Protestantism. Nevertheless, since he followed a monarch who had implemented perhaps the largest spiritual reform in the account statement of the church, Somerset had to deal with a situation of religious insecurity.Arguably, the effects of religious reform are harder to herald than the effects of economic policy therefore, it is easier to condemn Somerset as inept on the basis of his economic policies than it is on the basis of his religious reforms. Somersets religious reforms moved towards Protestantism with the introduction of a new petition adjudge and the Act of Uniformity as well as the Chantries Act, which abolished the remnants of Catholicism. However, in an attempt to appease both sides of the spectrum, a certain ambiguity still remained and Catholicism had not been categorically denied. However, the reforms were met only with discontent, for some it was too extremum and for others too moderate. The Treason Act, which ended restrictions on the discussion of religious doctrine, served only to make matters worse and led to disorder.In terms of religious reform, th e outcome would have been more stable had Somerset done nothing. We have seen that religious turmoil was the result of a lack of continuity in the short Edwardian and Marian eras. This suggests that a period of stability following the fast paced religious reform of the Henrician rule would have been expert in Somersets protectorate. However, as we have pull downd, the outcome of religious reform would have been much harder to gauge at the time. duration Somersets religious policy is not the sign of an expert politician, it cannot be purposed to condemn him to the equivalent extent as his economic record. His religious reform, therefore, supports Eltons fancy that Somerset had talked much about liberty but had produced disorder. 2 His aim to appease the extremes can at least be seen as well meaning, date his actions were not those of an experienced politician furthermore, his belief that appeasing the extremes was possible at this point is arguably naive.Somerset was poor at d ealing with the growing feeling of discontent in England. Not only was he largely responsible for the growth of discontent due to his economic and religious policies, but more importantly, instead of dealing with the roots of discontent he attempted to control the disorder that resulted. The Vagrancy Act (1547) was a cruel attempt to control the public, it meant that anyone out or work for 3 days would be branded with a V and sold into slavery for twain years. He put out the message that dissent was not to be tolerated, though his action was strong it showed few signs of impelling leadership. As his reign progressed it was clear that he showed no signs of dealing with the root of the issue, rather to avoid rebellion. A reform programme was supposedly creation put together by John Hales, who later turned out not to exist. Furthermore, having blamed the problems on enclo certain, reforms to remedy the problem were merely piecemeal and demonstrated indecisiveness.Somerset was inep t the paranoid measures preceding his conciliate such as bans on football and on the spreading of rumours simply confirm the hypothesis that Somerset had no real understanding of the political situation. In a similar vein to his belief that he could appease the religious extremes, attempting to pacify a discontented populace with piecemeal anti-enclosure measures and a fake reform programme was equally naive. Somerset fell from grace because of his own inability to rule Eltons assessment was understandably correct Somerset was disastrous as a leader. 3 However, Eltons enchant of Somerset as a humanitarian reformer with the best intentions exceeds the reasonable bounds of optimism.Most people, who have a most prefatorial sense of human rights, would see the Vagrancy Act as simply morally corrupt. His poor management of the frugality and heavy-handed measures of control hit those most in train the hardest. This demonstrates almost a total slue for the needs of the poor furtherm ore, anyone regarded as a humanitarian reformer, or at least a man with good intentions, would be incapable of passing the Vagrancy Act. It has been conceded that some good will may have prepare behind his religious reform, also anti-enclosure legislation may show faint concern for the poor. However, such recount is far outweighed by his record of controlling legislation. Somerset was not a humanitarian reformer Elton seems to have avoided the conclusion that a rudimentary presentation of the facts would suggest. Rather, the failure of anti-enclosure legislation is evidence of Somerset appeasing the elect as well attempting to pacify the poor, an end from which he could gain a lot more political capital. Indeed, far from concurring with Eltons thesis on this issue, I suggest that Somerset was motivated by a liking to secure his own position of power.His continued use of proclamations as well as his neglect of the Privy Council demonstrates this theme. The Treason Act had done mo re than permit religious discussions it repealed a introductory act, which said that royal proclamations had the same force as acts of Parliament. Consequently, Somerset was now able to issue proclamations without the consent of his council and he frequently availed himself of this opportunity. Indeed, on average Somerset issued 13 more proclamations per year that usual.Furthermore, his attempts to hold onto power by control rather than tackling the root issues point to a man who was motivated by a need to secure his own position. Elton did recognise his neglect of the council He alienated his fellow councillors whose feelings and ideas he persistently ignored. 4 However, Elton did not recognise the power seeking nature of Somersets character. I would agree with Heard who presented Somerset, not as a man with noble aims as Elton suggests, but as an arrogant self-seeker. 5Therefore, It seems that Elton was correct in his judgement of Somerset as an inept leader as demonstrated in hi s economic and to some extent his religious policies as well as his abysmal handling of a situation of unrest, which he himself had created. However, Somerset was power seeking, not a man of noble aims his record of legislation was clearly not motivated by a concern for the poor. Elton said It is difficult to say who did more harm to the state they were supposed to govern. 6 It can certainly be said that Somerset exacerbated the poor situation later Henrys reign, the economic situation worsened through continuation of the wars and the Chantries Act. Religious confusion was not eased and arguably fuelled dissent and he left a country in unrest after the rebellions that led to his take root. Therefore, I agree with Eltons view that he was inept and cause harm to the country, although I disagree with Eltons view of Somersets aims.Northumberland, on the other hand, introduced welcome reforms. Elton argues as much, however I believe Elton exaggerated his assessment of Northumberland a s power hungry furthermore, Northumberlands effective reforms did not harm the country and it is unjust to tar Northumberland and Somerset with the same brush. Northumberland inherited a worse situation than Somerset and demonstrated political astuteness in his action, which dealt with the root of the problem. In addition, his dealings with the Privy Council and use of proclamation were far removed from the power hungry tactics of Somerset. though his religious policy was arguably harsh and his attempts to alter the succession seem power seeking, Elton exaggerated this component of Northumberlands character.Arguably, Northumberlands best move was to end the Scottish and French wars. Indeed, the way in which the two leaders dealt with the wars can be seen as key in defining their rule and also how we interpret their ability. The treaty of Boulogue, although bad for England in the short-term, allowed the finances to improve and Northumberland to focus on the heartbreaking sociable u nrest, Somersets mess that Northumberland was forced to deal with. The treaty is a clear indication of Northumberlands superior ability to Somerset indeed, this theme is shown throughout the arrangement. remote from harming the country, Northumberland had shown realism and taken the first step towards recovery. Furthermore, re-evaluation of the coinage and prohibition of usury in 1552 helped to improve the economy. Northumberland, in contrast with Somerset, made some positive achievements his economic policies helped to reverse the terrible situation left by Somerset. Moreover, his governance seems to have shown a commitment to reform, which had a current and lasting positive effect.The reformation of the tax courts was indicative of this commitment to reform. In 1549, five ministries were responsible for collecting money and the situation was worsened by corruption in some courts. Although reform was not carried out under his rule, the recommendations of the Royal Commission wer e carried out in the Marian era. Therefore, the Boulogue treaty conjugate with other economic policies and a clear commitment to financial reform demonstrates that Northumberland was an able politician. Northumberlands economic policies were sound and he should be praised for steering a course out of the economic disaster created by Henry and worsened by Somerset. Indeed, it is arguable that Northumberland set the foundations for stable finances through into the Marian and Elizabethan eras.Elton notes that in Marys reign financial and administrative recovery owed nothing to the nance or her policy. 7 This adds strength to the argument that Northumberland deserves particular credit for his economic policy. Certainly, Elton was unreasonable to ask which of the two did more harm to the country. In doing so Elton comes dangerously close to equating the achievements of the two however, Northumberland could not be accused of harming the country, particularly in reference to the financ es. However, on this issue, it seems that this quote should be taken with a rack of salt, for, within the same paragraph Elton praised Northumberlands economic policies. Ignoring that rather peculiar quote, I would concur with Eltons high eulogy of Northumberlands financial reforms, which Elton says provided the basis for sound finance in the reign of Elizabeth I. 8His religious policy resulted in a largely more favourable result than that of Somerset. Northumberlands policy was clear the Church of England was to become Protestant. The 1552 Prayer Books changed the services to meet Protestant doctrine and all glamour was removed in favour of simplicity. Somersets mistaking had been to introduce half-hearted, indecisive reform that attempted to appease as many people as possible. By contrast, Northumberland was decisive arguably, this was a risky strategy as it may have incited catholic rebellion. However, rebellions were small and Northumberland was happy in crushing them.It is clear that his religious policy was, once again, a sign of his political ability. Northumberland had recognised that decisive action would create the stability required after the fast paced and confusing reform of his predecessors. His religious policy has been accused of being harsh though this may be the case, it was a successful policy. Furthermore, it is arguable that had Mary not usurped the Protestant reformation, Northumberlands religious policy would have enjoyed the same long-term success as his financial policies. Northumberlands successful consolidation of the reformation supports Eltons argument that he showed skill in public affairs 9.Further support for Eltons assessment of Northumberlands role comes from his handling of the social unrest. He deserves credit for his handling of the serious law and order problem during his rule. The aftermath of the 1549 rebellions and bad economic situation following Somersets fall coupled with three bad harvests and a collapse of the cloth trade meant that Northumberland had serious social unrest and disaffection to deal with. Rather than attempting to control and crush the unrest like Somerset, Northumberland attempted to solve the root problems and therein Northumberlands greater understanding of the situation is demonstrated.Sheep tax was abolished, enclosure commissions were abandoned, an Act in 1552 protected arable factory farm and a new poor law meant that Northumberland had a more successful social policy. Furthermore, his success with financial recovery enhanced his efforts at calming dissent largely through reducing inflation. In this regard, though not a humanitarian reformer, Northumberland demonstrated a concern for social justice 10, which was clearly greater than that of Somerset. Again I would support the view of Elton that Northumberland showed political skill demonstrated here by his social policy, which solved the root problems rather than attempting to control the dissent.Therefore, Elton was correct in pointing out the very positive achievements of Northumberlands reign. He played an important role in halting the financial and religious problems, which were created by Henry and exacerbated by Somerset. This was not a point that Elton expressly put forward, however I think this was a probatory part of Northumberlands role, which should be emphasised. I would also agree with Elton that his financial reforms were influential far past his fall although I would venture to suggest that his religious reform also had an influence in the future, though to a lesser extent, in shaping Elizabeths policy 11.There may be an argument, however, to suggest that the assessment of Northumberlands role in the preceding paragraphs has gone too far to presenting Northumberland as a political genius. It must(prenominal) not be forgotten that Northumberland always had the benefit of hindsight, having seen the failures of Somersets reign. His financial, religious and social policies can a ll be seen as informed by the failures of Somersets reign. Whether, for example, Northumberland would have followed the same decisive religious policy had he been the direct successor of Henry is an interesting question. Therefore we must conclude that Northumberland was an apt politician, though certainly not anyplace near a political genius as we must recognise that he was able to strike from Somersets reign.It is possible to argue on the exact political abilities of Northumberland and how much advantage hindsight afforded him however, the fact remains that his achievements were positive. While I may give more credit to Northumberland in some areas of his role, I would concur with Eltons view that Northumberland was an apt politician. Moreover, his view that Northumberlands rule marked an improvement on Somersets 12 is clearly correct and is back up by other historians, such as Alan Smith Northumberland was a much more realistic and effective ruler than the traditionally overpra ised Somerset. 13Elton was correct in his assessment of Northumberland as greedy, however he has exaggerated the claim that Northumberland was power hungry. It is clear that this desire for power was present in his character as revealed in the fearful attempt to alter the succession at the end of his rule nevertheless, it did not dominate his governance as Somersets desire for power motivated much of his policy. It is undeniable that during his rule his power and wealth change magnitude significantly. Initially he gave himself the Earldom of Warwick and later became the Duke of Northumberland. He proceeded to make financial gains through land many of his pursual took the liberty to do the same. Clearly, he exploited his position to satisfy his greed and many argued this was at the disbursal of the King. Therefore, I would not argue with Eltons view that Northumberland was greedy.His desperate attempt to alter the succession is certainly a sign of a serious desire for power. He a ttempted in vain to abandon the previous succession acts of Henrys reign to bypass Mary and Elizabeth and install Lady Jane Grey, through whom Northumberland could retain a high level of power. It was a failure from the outset, he was unable to secure Marys arrest and upon the death of Edward the people of England opted unsurprisingly for the just heir.It was a dismal end to his governance and certainly evidence of a serious desire for power. However, as evidence of his desire for power, it should be viewed in the context of his whole governance. This was an act of desperation at the end of a rule in which his policies could not be seen as indicative of a thirst for power. many a(prenominal) of Somersets policies were methods of control to secure his position moreover, he had demonstrated his desire for power through continued use of proclamation and a neglect of his council. Northumberland, despite the end of his rule, displayed a far more restrained policy and attitude to govern ment, which leads me to the conclusion that Elton has exaggerated his claims of Northumberland as power hungry.Northumberland restored the Privy Council to its proper position under his counselor and control. Although he did not limit his power to use proclamations, he was much more cautious with their use making sure they were always based on parliamentary statute furthermore, he made sure he consulted the council. This restrained attitude to government is evidence of him limiting his power and therefore is not unreserved of desire for power. Of course, one could argue that he had learnt from Somersets mistakes and realised that the approach he took was the best way to appreciation in his councils favour and thus maintain power. This argument leads to the opposite conclusion that this attitude to government demonstrates his desire for power. However, the fallacy of the latter argument is that his attitude to government led to the retention of his position, not to power. His moti vation for this kind with his council was to remain in his position the fact remains that through these means his power was limited and therefore it seems that it is more reasonable to accept the former argument. His policy and governance was not indicative of power hunger.Therefore, his desperate attempt to alter the succession coupled with his moderate policy and governance as discussed above lead to the conclusion that he did have a desire for power, but not to the extent that Elton suggested. It is worthy of note that the very nature of Somerset and Northumberlands rules implies a certain extent of power hunger. Their positions relied upon taking advantage of the political vacuum opened up by the infant monarch. Therefore, I would agree with Elton that Northumberland was greedy, however to say that Northumberland was exceedingly ambitious of power 14 is an exaggeration and is not supported by his record in power. Lastly, it must be noted that though Northumberland may have dis played some unpleasant character traits, this does not transgress upon the success of his reform programmes.In brief conclusion, I agree with Eltons interpretation of the roles of Somerset and Northumberland to a certain extent. I agree with Elton that Somerset was incompetent and his role did indeed harm the country exacerbating the problems he inherited from Henry. However, Eltons view of Somerset as a humanitarian reformer is an error. Largely, I concur with Eltons view of Northumberland although I would give him more credit for dealing with serious problems he faced and leaving a lasting political influence. Furthermore, he was undoubtedly greedy, yet Elton has exaggerated his desire for power. If we ignore the characters of the two rulers, Eltons full general view seems to be that Somerset was damaging whereas Northumberland brought forward marked improvements. In this general sense, I would agree with Eltons thesis.1 Elton, G.R. England under the Tudors. p. 2082 Ibid.3 Ibid. p. 2104 Ibid. p. 2085 Heard, N. quoted from Webb, C. Was it the policies engage by Henry VIII that caused the mid-Tudor crisis? http//www.geocities.com/CollegePark/2809/page15.html6 Elton, G.R. England under the Tudors. p. 2107 Elton, G.R. England under the Tudors. p. 2148 Ibid. p. 2099 Ibid. p. 21010 Smith, A.G.R. The Emergence of a Nation State. p. 7111 Anderson, A. and Imperato, T. An Introduction to Tudor England 1485-1603. p. 15412 Elton, G.R. England under the Tudors. p. 20913 Smith, A.G.R. The Emergence of a Nation State. p. 7314 Elton, G.R. England under the Tudors. p. 209