I’ve recently marked a batch of mock exams for my A-level History group on the Tudors module that we cover. On the whole, I’m happy with their progress, and am optimistic about their chances in the final exams in May and June later this year. One of the questions focused on the problems of succession that the Tudors were continually plagued by throughout the 118 years of their dynasty, with a specific focus on the years 1547 (the death of Henry VIII) to 1571 (into the reign of Elizabeth I).

Many historians have highlighted the problems that the Tudors faced during the so-called “Mid Tudor Crisis”, which usually stretches from the 1540s to the early years of Elizabeth’s rule (to the early 1560s). During this period, it is argued, the Tudors faced several issues relating to a poor economy, factional divides, rebellions, and other wider social problems such as poor harvests and epidemics. And, along with these issues, was a continuing fear of succession in what could be labelled a “succession crisis.”

There is plenty of evidence to suggest that the Tudors struggled during this period:

  • Henry VIII struggled to obtain a clear successor, until the birth of his son Edward VI. He continued toying with the order of succession up to the Act of Succession of 1544, which outlined that Edward would succeed him, followed by Mary and then Elizabeth.
  • Edward VI was only a 9 year old boy when he became king in 1547, and he died 6 years later in 1553 without leaving a direct heir.
  • Mary was in her late thirties when becoming queen in 1553, and despite marrying Philip of Spain, she was unable to become pregnant and give birth to an heir.
  • Elizabeth became queen in the 1558, and despite several negotiations, she never married or gave birth to an heir.

As such, the Tudors were only one accident away from becoming extinct, particularly during Elizabeth’s reign (she was the last survivor Tudor). This was brought home to many when in 1562 she suffered with smallpox. Therefore, we could state there was a continual crisis in the kingdom.

So, how does this link to the Cold War, I hear you ask?

Well, I tried to conclude the extent to which there was a succession crisis, and ended up concluding that there was no “crisis”, but rather a persistent, never-ending problem. The Tudors lived with a fear that the dynasty could end with one bad accident, however, this didn’t paralyse society; Elizabeth reigned for 44 years, and during this period big religious developments occurred, as well as staggering cultural achievements. And so, I tried to think of other parallels throughout history to help me to explain the fear that the Tudors existed within, and this led me to the Cold War.

There is a wide array of events and areas of debate associated with the Cold War, a period of great tension between the USA and the USSR stretching from the end of the Second World War to the collapse of Communism in Russia in the late-1980s to early-1990s. But one key element of it – the threat and ever-present fear of nuclear war – is the one in which is helpful in understanding the Tudor succession crisis. People of the world during this period knew that the Cold War could become “hot”, as happened with the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and so the end to humanity was close.

However, this did not stop society – in both the West and within the Communist bloc – from continuing to advance and change. The Cold War didn’t stop the Civil Rights movement, the second wave of feminism, the Beatles or MTV from happening, because life continued on despite this wider existential fear. And the same, too, happened with the Tudors; despite the continuing fear of the end of the dynasty, events continued to happen.

What use are such links between historical periods. Well, the short answer is, not much use at all! Each period of history needs to be studied and understood based on its very own context and “rules” in order to fully appreciate and understand it. However, links can help us find a new understanding and appreciation by allowing us to see an issue or problem in a new light. As for me, I will attempt to explain my link to the History class to see if it helps them. Of course, it could simply confuse them! But such an explanation is, I think, worth a shot.