Historical Interpretations of Key Issues from this Period

Traditionalist View of the Mid Tudor Crisis

Political instability: Traditional historians like Geoffrey Elton view this period as one of political turbulence and disarray, characterised by factionalism, rebellion, and conspiracy.
Religious turmoil: They also emphasise the religious upheaval brought about by Henry VIII’s break with the Catholic Church, the subsequent changes under Edward VI, and the reversion to Catholicism under Mary.
Economic disarray: The traditionalists highlight the economic difficulties faced by England and Wales during this period, which included debasement of currency and economic hardship for the common populace.
Lack of effective leadership: This view holds that the young and sickly Edward VI and the deeply unpopular Mary I were ineffective rulers, in stark contrast to the energetic and robust leadership of Henry VIII and the later Elizabeth I.

Revisionist View of the Mid Tudor Crisis

Continuity and evolution: Revisionist historians like Jennifer Loach argue this period was not marked by chaos but rather a period of significant transition, characterised by continuity and evolution in government and administration.
Progress in policy and governance: They point out the progress made in fiscal policy, naval defence, social legislation and administrative structure during the reign of Edward VI as indicating this was not a “crisis” but a phase of reform.
Religious changes: Revisionists emphasise that religious changes, such as the Book of Common Prayer and the 42 articles, were not just divisive but also laid groundwork for Elizabethan Church - again indicating continuation, not crisis.
Assessment of monarchs: Revisionists reassess the leadership of Edward VI and Mary I. They suggest Edward, despite being young, showed a strong sense of kingship while Mary’s regime, despite its religious conservatism and opposition, attempted to handle the challenges it faced passively.

Post-Revisionist View of the Mid Tudor Crisis

Complex picture: Historians like David Loades and Eric Ives present a more nuanced understanding of the period, highlighting both the elements of chaos and the progressive developments during this time.
Emphasis on societal changes: Post-revisionists point out the major societal shifts, including the changing position of gentry and the rise of Protestant humanist education, along with religious reforms.
Interplay of multiple factors: They argue that political, economic, religious, social and even personal factors interplayed in ways that neither depict a complete crisis nor total continuity, making the term “Mid Tudor Crisis” partially applicable.
Dynastic instability: Loades, for instance, argues that the most significant crisis was the issue of the Tudor succession, reflected in Henry’s marriages and attempts at having a male heir, Edward’s sickness and Mary’s childless reign, which also points towards the upcoming Elizabethan golden age.