**Population and Economy**:
– England’s population increased from 2.3 million in 1520 to 4 million by 1600 due to the effects of the Black Death and agricultural depression.
– Population growth led to economic development, commercialization of agriculture, increased wool production and exports, trade expansion, and the growth of London.
– Social disparities emerged with low wages, land scarcity, and inflationary pressures, contributing to social unrest and the enclosure of village lands.
– The gap between the rich and poor widened significantly, impacting the rural population.
**English Reformation**:
– The English Reformation under Henry VIII saw shifts in religious practices, with subsequent monarchs adopting different approaches.
– Henry VIII’s desire for an annulment of his marriage from Pope Clement VII triggered the Reformation.
– England’s strong Catholicism in 1500 made it an unlikely place for a religious revolution, despite dissatisfaction with the Church.
– Monarchs like Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I implemented varying degrees of Protestantism and Catholicism, leading to religious changes in England.
**Tudor Government**:
– **Henry VII (1485–1509)**: Focused on administrative, economic, and diplomatic initiatives, raising new revenues through unpopular taxes.
– **Henry VIII (1509–1547)**: Characterized by his six marriages aimed at producing a male heir, military conflicts, and the establishment of the Church of England under his control.
– Both monarchs emphasized financial prudence, revenue generation, and strengthening royal authority.
**Father of the Royal Navy**:
– Henry VIII earned the title ‘Father of the English navy’ for his significant contributions to naval development.
– He inherited and expanded the English fleet, organized it as a permanent force, and funded it through taxes.
– Henry focused on naval expansion, including founding royal dockyards, fortifying coastlines, and training sailors, advancing England’s naval prowess.
**Cardinal Wolsey’s Influence**:
– Wolsey was a powerful figure in England during 1515-1529, controlling royal decision-making and information flow.
– He dominated various aspects of governance, supported arts, humanities, and education, and implemented reforms in English government.
– Wolsey’s influence extended to civic affairs, administration, law, church, and foreign policy, shaping the development of England’s governance system.
In England and Wales, the Tudor period occurred between 1485 and 1603, including the Elizabethan era during the reign of Elizabeth I (1558–1603). The Tudor period coincides with the dynasty of the House of Tudor in England, which began with the reign of Henry VII. Under the Tudor dynasty, art, architecture trade, exploration and commerce flourished. Historian John Guy (1988) argued that "England was economically healthier, more expansive, and more optimistic under the Tudors" than at any time since the Roman occupation.
| Tudor period | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1485–1603 | |||
 The red and white rose of the House of Tudor | |||
| Including | Elizabethan era | ||
| Monarch(s) | |||
| Leader(s) | |||
Chronology
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