Discuss the role of the commoners in the Amicable Grant and the Lincolnshire Rising.

Commoners played a significant role in both the Amicable Grant and the Lincolnshire Rising, primarily as the main instigators and participants of these revolts.

In the Amicable Grant of 1525, the commoners, particularly the lower classes, played a crucial role. This was a non-parliamentary tax proposed by Henry VIII to fund his war with France. The commoners, already burdened by previous taxes, were the ones most affected by this new levy. Their refusal to pay led to widespread resistance, particularly in Essex and Suffolk. The resistance was so strong that it forced the King to back down and abandon the tax. This was a significant moment as it demonstrated the power of the common people when united against an unpopular policy. It also highlighted the limitations of the monarchy's power, showing that the King could not impose his will without the consent of his subjects.

Similarly, in the Lincolnshire Rising of 1536, the commoners were the main actors. This was a rebellion against Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries and the introduction of the English Bible. The commoners, many of whom were deeply religious and attached to their local monasteries, were outraged by these changes. They formed an army of around 40,000 and marched on Lincoln, capturing it and demanding a reversal of the King's policies. Although the rebellion was ultimately crushed, it was a significant demonstration of popular resistance to the King's religious reforms.

In both the Amicable Grant and the Lincolnshire Rising, the commoners were not just passive victims of royal policy, but active participants in shaping the course of events. They were able to organise themselves into effective resistance movements and challenge the King's authority. This was a significant development in the history of popular protest in England, showing that the common people were not just subjects, but political actors in their own right.

However, it is also important to note that the commoners' role in these events was not entirely positive. In both cases, their actions led to violence and instability, and in the case of the Lincolnshire Rising, their demands were ultimately not met. This shows that while the commoners had the power to resist, they did not necessarily have the power to effect lasting change.

In conclusion, the commoners played a crucial role in both the Amicable Grant and the Lincolnshire Rising. They were the main instigators and participants of these revolts, demonstrating their power to resist unpopular royal policies. However, their