A "Golden Age" Flashcards
Why and how did the Gentry become more powerful under Elizabeth?
- Trade with newly discovered countries, made members of the upper-class wealthy.
- Wealth allowed them to create new infrastructures, like buildings and halls. (Hardwick Hall)
Why was Elizabeth’s reign called the “Golden age”
- Introduction to theatre
- New and advanced buildings
- Renaissance period
- Successful voyages and colonisation
- Art
- Science and Technology (Astrology, navigation and Alchemy)
- literature (Poems)
- Became a world superpower
Why was theatre so popular?
- Cheap for everyone
- Patrons used this opportuniy to impress the Queen by setting up shows.
- Many plays presented political messages (Macbeth after the Queen’s death).
Why was theatre opposed?
- Crime happened a lot, during these events
- Disease would be spread during the shows
What were some examples of blood sports?
- Bear baiting
- Bull baiting
- Animal fights
Why was it considered to not be a “Golden Age” by many?
- Blood sports were still popular (Barbaric)
- Life expectancy was still low, and little development in medicine
- Poverty was still high until 1601, towards the End of the Queen’s reign
Meaning of alchemy?
Turning cheap metal into gold.
What was sir Walter Raleigh known for and how did he benefit the “Golden Age”? (Exploration)
- exploring America’s and naming one of the regions found, after the queen (Virginia)
- 1/5 of gold and silver were given to the queen from his voyages
- he would bring spices and ingredients back to England
How did trading develop the “Golden Age” and why was it important for Britain initially? (Exploration)
- england’s cloth trade with Europe had collapsed so they needed new ways of making income
- this meant that they weren’t reliant on Europe
How did colonisation develop the “Golden Age” (Exploration)
- New trading alliances were built to facilitate the growth of silk and fur, which could be sold to other nations for money.
- Slaves were bought back to harvest materials for a cheaper price, creating higher profits once materials are sold.
How did technology and science improve during the “Golden Age”?
- Better understanding of Astrology and Magnetism
- Use of Alchemy to turn metals into gold
- Ships were updated and were better fitted for travel
- Development of weapons, as a result, of new materials found.
Impact of voyages?
Increase in Wealth - Lead to the establishment of the “EAST INDIA TRADING COMPANY” that produced a lot of wealth for England.
Increase in Power - Improved experience and tactics of sailors as they were used to the sea. This increased naval power and was one of the main reasons why The Spanish Armada failed.
Increase in Territory - England had control over the economic situation of the world as they managed much of the trading system.
