Explain the significance of the doctrinal reformation of Edward VI

The doctrinal changes made by Edward VI during his reign had a lot of political and economic significance, however these changes had the biggest impact on religion in England and Wales and they particularly had much long term significance.

RELIGION - Fundamental reason

• Changes led to protestant belief by conviction rather than habit.

Changes under the Duke of Somerset

• Printing restrictions removed - meaning more protestant propaganda could be printed and spread around the country - thus more people would understand protestant beliefs.
• Act of Uniformity - everyone had to use the same prayer book (in English not latin) - establishing a vernacular service.

(Religious) Changes under the Duke of Northumberland

• Significant change - establishment of Protestant mass, replaced Holy Eucharist - pentlties for not attending.
• Second Edwardian Prayerbook published - broke earlier compromise between protestant doctrine and catholic practice.

ECONOMIC

• All Chantries dissolved - they were a clear expression of the catholic doctrine of purgatory - also Somerset needed the money (for Franco-Scottish war). Raising taxes would have been unpopular - money from monastries already used.
• Land from Chantries gave Edward and Somerset (political) power - used as patronage.
• Long term effect on Mary - she was unable to restore religious houses, couldn't get land back - therefore unable to strengthen her Catholic foundations and restore the Catholic faith as it was in England and Wales before 1534 and the break from Rome.

POLITICAL

• (Under Northumberland's regency) Catholic memebers of the council removed - replaced with protestants - made it difficult for Mary to convince the council to conform to the catholic faith.
• The Duke of Norfolk was in disgrace.
• The harsh Treason Act (1534) and heresy laws of Henry VIII were repealed. This allowed people to discuss religion freely - this regime was more tolerant than Henry's.

Ultimately, Edward VI's doctrinal changes were very significant in establishing the faith of the country, particularly more so than those of Henry VIII who created a protestant church out of convenience rather than conviction which was effectively Catholicism without the Pope. Edward's doctrinal changes had long term significance as Mary then struggled to re-establish the catholic faith but then made it easier for Elizabeth to settle on a protestant church when she came to power as a ********* of protestant believers was created who would resist the Marian counter reformation.