Questions and Answers
Why did literacy of the yeoman class increase?
The growth of humanist ideas led to grammar schools for boys, allowing greater access for those below the gentry class, especially the yeoman class, and university education was expanding with an estimated half of students being of yeoman status.
Describe the growth in literacy.
In 1550, 80% of men were illiterate, but by 1600 this decreased to 72%.
Why was the growth of literacy restricted?
Literacy varied according to region and social status; although educational opportunities increased for yeomen, high rates of illiteracy remained among laborers and the poorest in society.
Describe the first impact of increasing yeoman literacy.
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Describe the second impact of increasing yeoman literacy.
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Study Notes
Growth of Literacy in the Yeoman Class
- Humanist ideas spurred the establishment of grammar schools for boys, offering free education to lower classes, particularly benefiting the yeoman class.
- Expansion of university education occurred despite only having two universities; by the late 1500s, about half of the students came from yeoman backgrounds.
Statistics on Literacy
- In 1550, approximately 80% of men were illiterate.
- By 1600, this figure dropped to 72%, indicating improved literacy levels over time.
Factors Restricting Literacy Growth
- Literacy advancement varied by region and social status; while yeoman literacy increased, many laborers and the poorest remained largely illiterate.
- Limited educational opportunities in lower social strata hindered broad literacy improvement.
First Impact of Increased Literacy
- Literate yeomen could lead local rebellions and articulate demands, evidenced by events like the 1497 Cornish rising and the unrest in 1549.
- Higher literacy rates led to increased participation of yeomen in local government, particularly in administering laws for the poor, demonstrating their growing influence.
Second Impact of Increased Literacy
- Yeomen involved in government were less likely to rebel against it, marking a shift from earlier Tudor rebellions.
- Post-northern rising, England experienced stable social conditions, with no major rebellions even during the economic crisis of the 1590s; any disturbances were led by the poorest rather than yeomen, reflecting their integration into governance.
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Description
Explore the evolution of literacy within the yeoman class during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. This quiz delves into the impact of humanist ideas on education, statistics on literacy rates, and the regional disparities affecting literacy growth. Understand how increased literacy among yeomen influenced social and political changes.
