Four major rebellions occurred in the years 1549 to 1571; the Western and Kett Rebellion in the reign of Edward VI, Wyatt's Rebellion in the reign of Mary I, and finally the Northern Rebellion under Elizabeth I. Mary's succession in 1553 is considered by some historians to be a successful rebellion, but others see it as a legitimate succession. These rebellions threatened the throne in various ways, depending largely on their causes and supporters. Although both the Kett and Western Rebellions were large-scale, they did not directly threaten Edward VI. However, Wyatt's Rebellion and the Northern Rebellion were largely focused on the queens in power at the time and the rebels had plans to replace the monarch, posing a much greater threat to the Crown. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Western Rebellion and Kett's Rebellion in 19549 were limited threats to Edward VI as they were directed primarily against his regent, the Duke of Somerset, and caused largely by local economic and religious issues. The Western Rebellion began in the summer of 1549 following opposition to the religious reform and economic problems plaguing the country under Somerset's rule. Crowds in Cornwall and Devon began to oppose the Reformation and demolished attempts at enclosure. Local opposition to Protestantism was present in many communities as early as 1547, showing that although it was the introduction of an English prayer book that sparked a more organized rebellion in Crediton, greater social and economic distress was to blame. Inflation, Cornish opposition to the enforcement of an English prayer book, the donation of former church lands to the gentry, and the enclosure inspired many rebels, especially in Bristol and Somerset, where enclosures erected for the sheep farm were demolished by the mob. This shows that the rebellion did not directly threaten the Crown; much of the anger was directed towards the area's wealthy gentry and Somerset's economic policies rather than Edward's fervent Protestantism. However, religious opposition to the Protestant Reformation became a unifying factor for unorganized mobs, transforming them into a dangerous force. The Western Rebellion proved to be a limited threat as they did not advance towards London, instead stopping near Exeter; they clearly had no intention of overthrowing Edward, but only of voicing their grievances with the government, similar to most rebellions of the period. The situation changed considerably when Kett's Rebellion began in Norfolk, due to similar causes to the Western Rebellion and also due to not marching on London, instead remaining near Norwich. However, Kett's Rebellion posed even less of a threat to Edward: it focused on the exploitation of government ministers, peacefully campaigning against the enclosure and for improved local government, and showed some support for the Protestant Reformation although it complained of a clergy inadequate. It was a large, well-organised rebellion with nearly 15,000 men but did not directly threaten the Crown, just like the Western rebellion. Indeed, only Somerset's slow and inefficient response made the war seem like a real threat and many troops were committed to fighting against Scotland, leaving the Crown in a vulnerable position against two rebellions. Both were eventually defeated, with some difficulty. The rebellions proved to be a threat against the government and alarmed many ministers,causing alarmism, meaning Somerset was imprisoned for several months and mistrust spread in the Council. However, there is no evidence that the two rebellions threatened or planned to oppose Edward's rule in any way, even as they shook his rule. Mary's succession, if seen as a rebellion against Lady Jane Grey, is clearly a successful rebellion. Edward VI wished to protect his Protestant Reformation and named Lady Jane Gray the legal heir to the throne before his death in July 1553 while both Mary and Elizabeth remained illegitimate according to Henry VII's decision. Mary managed to be crowned only nine days into Gray's reign and had many supporters. Most of the country believed that she was the rightful heir, chosen by God, while Lady Jane Gray was seen as a usurper. When viewed as a rebellion against a legitimate heir, appointed by the previous king, it is very clear that this was a threatening and successful rebellion, especially since Lady Jane Gray was executed soon after. However, Mary's coup can be seen as the succession of the rightful heir to the throne, overthrowing a "pretender queen". The great support Mary had from the Privy Council indicates that this was not an external rebellion, many councilors saw Lady Jane Grey's succession as an attempt by Northumberland to maintain her power by having her daughter-in-law as queen. Mary's popularity and strong claim to the throne indicate that this was not a rebellion but the rise of a legitimate ruler. Wyatt's Rebellion in February 1554 was a direct threat to the Crown. Unlike Kett and the Western Rebellion, it was directed at Queen Mary I, particularly her husband, Philip of Spain, and his Catholic reform. Although the textile industry in Kent had been in decline for some time, causing much unrest which helped favor the rebels, the rebellion was undeniably anti-Spanish and anti-Catholic. The marriage between Philip and Mary was the main cause, many people feared that this would lead to England becoming a Spanish pawn due to Philip being king and Mary supposedly subservient to her husband. The marriage settlement in Parliament prevented this, but fears were exacerbated by xenophobia, making it a key cause. Contemporary sources such as John Proctor's book identify Protestantism as a cause, supported by the Protestant rebel's plan to replace Mary with the Earl of Devon, married to her sister Elizabeth who was Protestant. The fact that the rebels had a plan to replace Mary shows that it was a real plan to overthrow her, not just to express grievances as they later claimed during interrogation. This shows that this was a real threat to the Crown, also indicated by the fact that this rebellion was planned by the nobility, not by the dissatisfied commoners - especially Sir Thomas Wyatt - who represented real power and influence. The Rebellion was originally planned as four rebellions in various parts of the country that could have potentially successfully overthrown Mary, although these did not materialize due to the advancement of plans. Although Wyatt's rebellion failed within a week, the original plans show how widespread the dissatisfaction was. This, and the fact that the 3,000-man rebellion came within half a mile of the Queen, shows that it was a truly threatening rebellion which could only have failed due to the early timetable and Wyatt's inability to find support in the capital - a result of Mary's attack. speeches. The rebellion was planned and intended to overthrow Mary, and potentially could have succeeded,.