Reasons for the Increase in Poverty During the Elizabethan Period

This section explains the reasons why poverty increased during the Elizabethan era. During the Elizabethan era, poverty became a growing concern, and several factors contributed to the increase in the number of poor people. These reasons were interconnected, with economic pressures, social changes, and external events combining to exacerbate the plight of the lower classes. Below are the key reasons for the rise in poverty during this period:

Rising Population

The population of England grew substantially during Elizabeth's reign, increasing by around one million people. This rapid population growth put significant pressure on resources, including food, housing, and jobs. With more people competing for limited goods and services, demand surged, which in turn caused prices to rise. The rise in population also contributed to overcrowded towns and cities, where poverty was especially concentrated, leading to an increased number of people living in difficult circumstances.

Inflation

As the population grew and demand for goods increased, prices began to rise. This was compounded by a general trend of inflation throughout the period, driven by factors such as increased demand for basic goods and the influx of silver from the New World, which caused a devaluation of currency. While prices for essential goods went up, wages remained relatively stagnant or even fell, meaning that many working people could not afford to buy the necessities they needed to survive. This created a widening gap between the rich and the poor, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.

Cloth Trade Collapse

Woollen cloth was England’s main export during the Elizabethan period, and the wool trade played a crucial role in the country’s economy. However, by the late 16th century, the demand for English woollen cloth began to decline. This collapse in the cloth trade led to widespread unemployment, particularly in areas where the industry had been a major source of work, such as East Anglia and the West Midlands. As the industry shrank, many people were left without jobs, which further contributed to the rise in poverty.

Wars and Increased Taxes

Throughout Elizabeth’s reign, England was involved in several costly military conflicts, most notably the war with Spain. These wars placed a significant financial burden on the crown, and to fund them, taxes were increased. The higher taxes were often levied on the poor, who found it increasingly difficult to cope with the additional financial strain. This led to further hardship for many, as they struggled to meet both the demands of everyday living and the increasing demands of the state.

Bad Harvests

The 1590s were particularly difficult years for farming in England, with a series of bad harvests that resulted in food shortages. Poor weather conditions, including heavy rains and cold temperatures, ruined crops, which led to a reduction in the availability of food. This resulted in even higher prices for basic foodstuffs, such as bread and grain, making it even harder for the poor to afford food. The rising prices, combined with poor harvests, led to widespread malnutrition and hunger, exacerbating the problem of poverty.

Changes in Farming Practices

During the Elizabethan period, there was a shift in agricultural practices, particularly as many landlords began to enclose their fields. Enclosure involved turning open fields into private, enclosed land used primarily for sheep farming rather than crop cultivation. This change was driven by the profitability of wool production, but it had a negative impact on the rural poor. Enclosure displaced many tenant farmers, who were unable to access the land they had previously worked. As a result, large numbers of rural workers were left unemployed and forced to move to towns and cities in search of work. This increase in urban migration put further pressure on already overcrowded urban areas, where jobs were scarce.

The Decline of Traditional Village Industries

In addition to changes in farming, traditional village industries, such as the production of textiles, pottery, and other crafts, also began to decline during the Elizabethan period. The rise of large-scale, commercial manufacturing in urban areas and the growth of market-based economies in towns and cities meant that smaller, local industries could no longer compete. This led to a loss of income for many rural workers who had relied on these traditional industries to supplement their farming income. As a result, these workers were often pushed further into poverty as they had no other source of livelihood.

Conclusion

The increase in poverty during the Elizabethan period was the result of a complex combination of social, economic, and environmental factors. Rising population, inflation, the collapse of the cloth trade, the financial burden of wars, bad harvests, changes in farming practices, and the decline of traditional industries all contributed to the widening gap between the rich and the poor. The Elizabethan poor faced an increasingly difficult struggle to survive, with many left without the resources or opportunities to improve their situation. The lack of a welfare system meant that many were forced to rely on charity or beg for survival, leading to a growing divide in society. These conditions laid the groundwork for social tensions and unrest, which would continue to shape the course of English history in the centuries that followed.