6. Elizabeth I Flashcards
When did Elizabeth I become queen?
1558
When did Elizabeth I die?
1603
What religion was Elizabeth I?
Protestant
What was Elizabeth I’s problem with religion?
The country had gone through a religious roller coaster since 1534 and she wanted to put a stop to this.
What was her solution to the problem of religion?
Elizabeth promoted the ‘Middle Way’ which promoted Protestantism but allowed for forms of worship that would allow Catholics to compromise.
She stated that ‘I have no desire to make windows into men’s souls’. She did not see it as her primary business to be involved in other people’s religion.
What was Elizabeth I’s problem with her looks?
The health of a monarch was meant to reflect the health of a country.
As Elizabeth I grew older, her teeth started to blacken, she had scars from smallpox and her hair had started to fall out.
Elizabeth I was a woman so it was especially important that she looked good.
What was her solution to the problem of her looks?
She had especially beautiful portraits painted which showed her as youthful. They were full of symbolism.
What was the structure of Elizabethan hierarchy?
Monarchs - the head of the social system, the richest person in the land
Nobility - Born rich and came with family titles. Usually had important government titles.
Yeoman - Fairly wealthy men. Not born of nobility but had enough money to own houses. Often farmers.
Labourers - Worked for Yeoman. They worked on farms or in craft shops.
Beggars - Poorest section. Did not work and were forced to beg. Often helped by the Church.
What was Elizabeth I’s problem of poverty?
Bad harvests and unemployment led to an increase in begging and people in extreme poverty.
What was her solution to the problem of poverty?
She passed poor laws that changed very little and included harsh punishments of beggars
What was Elizabeth I’s problem of marriage?
Elizabeth had seen how her sister had been treated through her marriage. She was reluctant to get married but without a marriage and an heir then the country could be thrown into turmoil
What was her solution to the problem of marriage?
Elizabeth chose not to marry and instead devoted all her time to running the country.
She passed her throne onto James I.
