To what extent was Northumberland more successful in solving mid Tudor political problems than Somerset?

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Emma Miller

To what extent was Northumberland more successful in solving mid Tudor political problems than Somerset?

The first major political problem during mid Tudor period was the issue of foreign policy. Somerset continued the war for the sake of the national prestige and to retain the support of a large section of the elites, however this plunged the country further into debt, Somerset’s idea to raise taxes to finance the war was unpopular with the elites and other taxpayers. However, when Northumberland came to power in 1550, his confidence and ability militarily was evident in his foreign policy. Northumberland realised the huge financial drain Somerset’s Garrisons Policy was proving, and removed English troops from Scotland. The war situation in France had deteriorated because the French taking advantage of England’s domestic problems, had declared open warfare in August 1549. Although many of the elites were eager to continue hostilities, Paget and other leading members of the Privy Council had been advocating a peace policy to avoid economic disaster. Therefore, Northumberland signed the Treaty of Boulogne in 1550. Although unpopular settlements, Northumberland unlike Somerset knew England’s military could not strategically or logistically continue these campaigns, and the failing economy simply could not afford war. The Treaty of Greenwich was also finally abandoned, perhaps because Northumberland was sufficiently confident, as a solider, to face the threat posed by France and Spain without alliances. Northumberland’s foreign policy was not glorious, however, in many respects he was far more successful than Somerset. His realism and insight, perhaps the result of his military background, made him remarkable and able in his handling of foreign policy.

During Somerset’s time there was rising popular discontent over the worsening economic conditions and it was feared this might lead to popular uprisings, but Somerset was uncertain how to tackle the economic problems. Somerset introduced The Chantries Act of 1547, he sent commissioners out to collect all the gold and silver plate attached to the Chantries this was then melted down to make coins. Simultaneously, the royal mints were re- issued after the coinage was reduced of silver content by adding copper. Although these measures provided much-needed revenue, they created further problems. By increasing the number of coins in circulation, the government was adding to inflation. Prices, particularly for grain, rose rapidly, fuelling discontent among the poor.

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When Northumberland cam to power the country was still on the verge of bankruptcy. The economy was in a poor state. The debts accumulated by Henry a few years previously had not been cleared under Somerset’s rule, and the country had suffered three years of poor harvests. As a result of this, grain prices soared. The Population, and inflation had both risen rapidly. This meant that the living standards of the masses continued to decline and the work was more difficult to find. In 1551, the country was confronted with a slump in the cloth trade, England’s main export; ...

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