C2 - The Difficulties of a Female Ruler Flashcards
Why was succession a problem?
Edward VI and Mary had died childless and Elizabeth was yet to produce an heir. In the past, there had been wars when people didn’t know who would become ruler after a monarch’s death. In 1562, Elizabeth nearly died of smallpox. Parliament wanted her to marry and have a child.
Why was Mary Queen of Scots a problem?
Without a direct heir, the next in line was Elizabeth’s Catholic cousin Mary. In 1568, Mary was exiled from Scotland to England and became a threat to Elizabeth’s throne. Catholics now had an alternative queen to fight for.
Why was Ireland a problem?
Elizabeth considered herself to be queen of Ireland but many of the Irish disagreed. A major problem was a revolt in Northern Ireland in 1559. She spent thousands of pounds and sent many of her best soldiers to try and limit Irish rebellion but nothing worked.
Why was taxation a problem?
The government needed money and one of the few ways to raise it was through taxes. Unfortunately, at a time of great poverty taxes would be very unpopular with the people of England, so raising taxes would be very dangerous for a new monarch.
Why was foreign policy a problem?
Elizabeth had to deal with powerful countries that wanted influence over England. France and Spain were both catholic and saw Protestant England as a target. The Netherlands caused disagreement as the population was mainly Protestant but it was ruled by catholic Spain.
Why was religion a problem?
Henry VIII had broken away from the Catholic Church to obtain a divorce. Edward continued the Protestant faith but Mary turned England Catholic. Elizabeth was Protestant but allowed catholics to follow their faith privately, but many catholics remained unhappy. The growing popularity of Puritanism (extreme Protestantism), was seen as a threat.
Who was Philip of Spain?
Philip II of Spain was the King of Spain. He was a potential suitor for Elizabeth, but he was Catholic and very unpopular with the English people due to his failed marriage to Elizabeth’s sister Mary. Marriage to Philip may have left England under Spanish control.
Who was Francis, Duke of Alencon?
Francis, Duke of Alencon was the French King’s brother. His brother had no children so he was the heir to the French throne. He was Catholic but left England vulnerable to falling under french control.
Who was Robert Dudley?
Robert Dudley (Earl of Leicester) was the queen’s childhood friend and one of her favourites throughout her reign. He was however involved in a scandal over his wife’s death (many thought he killed her), making marriage to Elizabeth impossible.
What were some arguments in favour of Elizabeth’s marriage?
Could create an alliance with a foreign country or guarantee the loyalty of a powerful English family. Could produce an heir to continue the Tudor line and stop Mary, Queen of Scots from becoming queen when Elizabeth died.
What were some arguments against Elizabeth’s marriage?
Loss of authority - either to a foreign ruler or Englishman. By not marrying, Elizabeth - and England - kept their independence. Giving birth was very risky for the mother at the time. Her experience of marriage had been bad - her father had married six times and ordered her mother to be executed. Elizabeth was able to use the possibility of marriage to her advantage when dealing with foreign leaders and important figures in England.
Why didn’t Elizabeth get married?
It is impossible to know for sure, but Elizabeth herself said that she was married to the ‘kingdom of England’ and that remaining single allowed her to focus totally on ruling her country and keep England secure and independent.
What was Parliament?
- consisted of lords, bishops and other nobles who sat in the House of Lords and ‘commoners’ who sat in the House of Commons.
- its role was to advise the queen and discuss issues
- responsible for passing laws and setting taxes
- the queen could decide when to call Parliament and did not have to listen to what they said - but in reality, she could not ignore their advice completely
Why was marriage a problem with Parliament?
Many in Parliament saw it as their duty to find Elizabeth a suitable husband and, by 1566, began to discuss the issue openly. Angry at such interference, she banned them from talking about it again. Elizabeth saw marriage as a decision for her alone.
Why was freedom of speech a problem with Parliament?
An MP named Peter Wentworth was arrested three times during Elizabeth’s reign for arguing that MPs should be allowed to speak on any matter they chose. Elizabeth clearly did not agree. Some MPs supported Wentworth’s view, but others did not. One of his arrests was organised by fellow MPs wishing to demonstrate their loyalty to Elizabeth.
