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Case study- Queen Elizabeth I Flashcards

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1
Q

When was Elizabeth’s lifespan?

A

1533-1603

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2
Q

When did she become a monarch of England?

A

1558

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3
Q

Name the quote from Alice Jagger

A

“a powerful image of female authority, regal magnificence and national pride”

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4
Q

Name the key historical debates surrounding this case study

A
  • Constructions of Elizabeth’s identities and gender
  • Political and administrative leadership
  • Influences on, and changes to, English culture
  • Religious beliefs and policies
  • Influence on changes to English systems of government
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5
Q

Name the three main schools of historical interpretation which are influential in this debate

A
  • Orthodox views
  • Revisionist views
  • Feminist views
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6
Q

What is the main debate?

A

Elizabeth’s identity and gender

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7
Q

What is the Orthodox view on Elizabeth’s political and administrative leadership?

A
  • She claimed to have built and lead a stable regime, and rescued her country from crisis
  • Outstanding in her day to day work as a leader
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8
Q

What is the Revisionist view on Elizabeth’s political and administrative leadership?

A
  • Successes have been exaggerated and weaknesses minimised

- Instability of England after her reign, can be traced back to the final years of her rule

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9
Q

What is the Feminist view on Elizabeth’s political and administrative leadership?

A
  • Successful because she used her sexuality and personality to form political success
  • Had well developed political and administrative leadership skills unrelated to her gender and sexuality
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10
Q

What is the Orthodox view on Elizabeth’s influence on and changes to English culture and society

A
  • Unified country over religious issues

- Ensured that no one section of the political classes felt alienated

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11
Q

What is the Revisionist view on Elizabeth’s influence on and changes to English culture and society

A
  • Unclear through which society viewed gender relations

- Deep divisions within society about the nature of warfare and relations between countries

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12
Q

What is the Feminist view on Elizabeth’s influence on and changes to English culture and society

A
  • Challenged male and female stereotypes of society

- Emphasised importance of independence and political ability rather than innate qualities (gender)

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13
Q

What is the Orthodox view on Elizabeth’s influence on religious beliefs and policies?

A
  • Inherited highly charged religious situation that she handled with skill
  • Diffused situation by accommodating Catholic sensibilities in matters she saw less essential
  • Saved England from civil and religious war and established the doctrine that governed the Church until the 1640s
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14
Q

What is the Revisionist view on Elizabeth’s influence on religious beliefs and policies?

A
  • Did not save England fro religious tension
  • Most people didn’t readily accept the Reformation
  • Religious settlement seen as belying or provoking great divisions in the population and amongst the clergy
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15
Q

What is the Feminist view on Elizabeth’s influence on religious beliefs and policies?

A
  • Increasing radicalism in the Commons, but Elizabeth remained moderate and fair in all matters of religions
  • Successful in her religious reformation as she attempted to pacify all of the different factions- compassionate
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16
Q

What is the Orthodox view on Elizabeth’s influence on changes to government?

A

Disliked parliament and would have preferred it not to meet at all. Felt it was an annoyance and distraction

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17
Q

What is the Revisionist view on Elizabeth’s influence on changes to government?

A

Negative view was an exaggeration. Saw it inconvenient but accepted its existence in terms of custom and used it as a forum where consultation took place

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18
Q

What is the Feminist view on Elizabeth’s influence on changes to government?

A

Did not strive for equality in Parliament but merely used it as a tool to satisfy her critics. Understood the significance of maintaining order regardless of her non committal feelings toward it

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19
Q

What is the Orthodox view on Elizabeth’s gender and identity? Name an included historian

A

J. E. Neale argues her femininity was a hindrance to her reign and affected the extent to which she could accomplish everything she desired

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20
Q

What is the Revisionist view on Elizabeth’s gender and identity? Name an included historian

A

G. R. Elton argues she was successful as she was able to divide her reign into two areas; body politic and body natural

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21
Q

What is the Feminist view on Elizabeth’s gender and identity? Name an included historian

A

Susan Bassnett argues she was success because of her political skill and insight and has been a role model for feminists throughout history

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22
Q

What are the four main questions needing to be considered surround Elizabeth’ gender and identities?

A
  • To what extent was Elizabeth I’s success as a queen, a result of her gender?
  • Did Elizabeth choose to keep her virginity?
  • Was Elizabeth’s constant change of mind indicative of her femininity?
  • To what extent did Elizabeth I overcome the Parliament?
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23
Q

What types of sources do Orthodox historians rely on?

A

Orthodox historians largely rely on historical accounts and the works of previous historians to interpret the past and do very little to try and challenge the asserted assumptions about past events, individuals or historical concepts

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24
Q

STARTING THE DABATE ON HER GENDER AND IDENTITY

A
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25
Q

Name an Orthodox historian, one of their works on Elizabeth and a criticism of it

A
  • J. E. Neale
  • Queen Elizabeth I
  • Jonathan Cape said, “Elizabeth’s life reads as a grand adventure, with plots, counterplots, deeds of derring do, heart-stopping danger, the glittering life of the court, all encompassed in an amazingly clear and level-headed story of politics at home and abroad, the building of a nation, and a ruler who is to many the definition of the English Renaissance”
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26
Q

Name the two overarching Orthodox arguments

A
  • Elizabeth I ruled in an age when male government was considered natural and a female sovereign was seen as unnatural or an aberration- “Government was a masculine business” – Neale
  • Elizabeth I displayed a range of masculine qualities including wisdom, tenacity and bravery and it was through the assertion of these male characteristics that she was able to rule England so successfully
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27
Q

What is their answer to ‘To what extent was Elizabeth I’s success as a queen, a result of her gender?’

A

Elizabeth I’s gender was a hindrance, “sex was an almost desperate impediment to Elizabeth being able to rule” yet she was still successful as she displayed many male characteristics e.g. wisdom, bravery, tenacity

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28
Q

What is their answer to ‘Did Elizabeth choose to keep her virginity?’

A

Elizabeth I chose to keep her virginity and remain unwed for she recognised the complex nature of a patriarchal society and the extent to which she could no longer rule if she took a male mate. As Neale writes, “Elizabeth deliberately constructed her identity (remaining a virgin and not marrying) to ensure she was able to maintain her position of power”

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29
Q

What is their answer to ‘Was Elizabeth’s constant change of mind indicative of her femininity?’

A

Yes, Elizabeth’s lack of decision making ability was reflective of her femininity. As Neale writes, “she could not help but reveal the characteristics of the weaker sex as they were inherent in the female make up. A lack of decisiveness is clearly a feminine trait”

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30
Q

What is their answer to ‘To what extent did Elizabeth I overcome the Parliament?’

A

While overtly it may appear that Elizabeth I overcame the government of the period, covertly she was still limited by their approval. Interestingly, she still had to submit requests for legislation to them and follow her counsel of advisors for intercontinental issues

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31
Q

What is the way in which Revisionist historians work out what to reevaluate

A

Often assume that the interpretation of a particular historical event or event which is accepted by the majority of scholars, needs significant change

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32
Q

Name a Revisionist historian, one of their works on Elizabeth and a criticism of it

A

G. R. Elton
England under the Tudors
Present the most historically accurate account of the period that he can and uses a wide variety of both primary and secondary historian accounts in order to reach his conclusions

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33
Q

Name the two overarching Revisionist arguments

A
  • It is unacceptable to claim that Elizabeth I failed as a result of her femininity
  • Elizabeth was so successful because she divided her reign into two distinct areas: Body politic (political skills) and Body natural (female)
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34
Q

What is their answer to ‘To what extent was Elizabeth I’s success as a queen, a result of her gender?’

A

Elizabeth I was largely successful as queen because of her gender as she was able to combine her femininity with male characteristics. Elton writes, “She had to overcome the…handicap of her sex, yet did so in such a successful way, that it virtually became an asset”

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35
Q

What is their answer to ‘Did Elizabeth choose to keep her virginity?’

A

Elizabeth I deliberately kept her virginity for it became a statement of her political power. In this sense, her virginity had very little to do with her gender but more of a statement about the obviously extensive power that she held

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36
Q

What is their answer to ‘Was Elizabeth’s constant change of mind indicative of her femininity?’

A

Interestingly, revisionist historians agree with orthodox historians and believe that Elizabeth’s constant change of mind was a weakness however they do not equate it to her femininity as the traditional historians do. In fact, they believe that her indecisiveness was a character flaw rather than any gender stereotype

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37
Q

What is their answer to ‘To what extent did Elizabeth I overcome the Parliament?’

A

Revisionists undeniably one of Elizabeth’s greatest achievements was the was that she overcame the Parliament of the time. This is clearly seen as the Parliament (made up of men) were only allowed to meet 14 times throughout her 44 year reign

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38
Q

Name a Feminist historian and an extract of it

A

Susan Bassnett
“to highlight the flaws of the way history has been constructed throughout the past. We should no longer be looking at historical figures in terms of who is male and who is female and their subsequent qualities but instead we need to examine them as individuals”

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39
Q

Name the two overarching Feminist arguments

A
  • Elizabeth’s femininity should not be viewed as a flaw in her character but should be celebrated as a sign of individual independence and strength
  • Elizabeth’s identity as a Queen and a ruler is unrelated to her gender
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40
Q

What is their answer to ‘To what extent was Elizabeth I’s success as a queen, a result of her gender?’

A

Elizabeth I was undeniably very successful as a Queen, however this was completely unrelated to her gender. As Bassnett writes, “what really matters is Elizabeth’s standing as a queen and an individual rather than where she sits on the masculine-feminine spectrum”

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41
Q

What is their answer to ‘Did Elizabeth choose to keep her virginity?’

A

Interestingly, feminists argue that while her femininity is irrelevant when examining Elizabeth’s success as a queen, it is important when examining the “virginity issue”. Bassnett argues that Elizabeth’s choice to remain a virgin was a statement about her femininity and subsequent power of women within society

42
Q

What is their answer to ‘Was Elizabeth’s constant change of mind indicative of her femininity?’

A

Elizabeth I’s constant change of mind was completely unrelated to her femininity and was in fact indicative of her political knowledge and insight. Elizabeth believed that by constantly changing her mind, she was in fact saving herself from being overthrown and/or killed

43
Q

What is their answer to ‘To what extent did Elizabeth I overcome the Parliament?’

A

Significantly, feminists believe that Elizabeth I was unable to completely overcome the constraints of the government as she was still forced to follow the counsel of advisors and this is seen when she was sent 7000 men to fight in 1585, regardless of her own beliefs

44
Q

STARTING THE DABATE ON HER POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP

A
45
Q

Recall a quote about Elizabeth’s political and administrative leadership

A

“If most people were asked to name the woman who has had the greatest impact on British political history, they would probably name Margaret Thatcher. A generation ago, the choice would most certainly have been Elizabeth I.” Randell, Elizabeth I and the Government of England

46
Q

Essentially, did she possess political and administrative leadership

A
  • The years 1558-1603 were accorded the status of a ‘golden age’ because they were thought to be such a contrast with the preceding and the following periods
  • Elizabeth is often claimed to have built a strong and stable regime and in doing so, rescued the country from the ‘mid-Tudor’ crisis
47
Q

What are the four main questions surrounding Elizabeth’s capabilities of political and administrative leadership?

A
  • Elizabeth and her parliaments- a marriage of convenience?
  • Elizabeth’s final years- The Golden Age of England?
  • Foreign policy- National Interest or Protestant crusade?
  • Poverty and Legislation- Social concern or social control?
48
Q

What is Whig’s impression of the question ‘Elizabeth and her parliaments- a marriage of convenience?’

A

Maintained that the Elizabethan parliaments were typified by their members ready acceptance of the Queen’s dominance and superiority, therefore, she looked upon her parliament favourably as one forum in which she could maintain contact with her loyal subjects

49
Q

What is Neale’s impression of the question ‘Elizabeth and her parliaments- a marriage of convenience?’

A

Due to pressures of increasing the Commons power, otherwise they wouldn’t give her money, Elizabeth disliked parliament very much

50
Q

What is Revisionist historians impression of the question ‘Elizabeth and her parliaments- a marriage of convenience?’

A

She regarded parliament as a somewhat inconvenient necessity. The reason she maintained parliament was because she wanted to continue tradition, and a community of interest in order to establish peace and stability

51
Q

What were the early Orthodox views of, ‘Elizabeth’s final years- The Golden Age of England?’ and name the year this existed

A

1570s-1580s
Political stability during which the regime was secure and stable because it was popular and political forces were in a state of balance, popularity was widespread

52
Q

What were the later Orthodox views of, ‘Elizabeth’s final years- The Golden Age of England?’ and name the year this existed

A

1590s
Presented a stark contrast between the balance and stability of earlier decades and the imbalance and potential instability of the later years, popularity occurred both in court circles and the country

53
Q

What were the early Revisionist views of, ‘Elizabeth’s final years- The Golden Age of England?’ and name the year this existed

A

1570s-1580s
No presentation of new interpretation but it has been suggested the stability has been exaggerated and there was a lack of planned strategy

54
Q

What were the later Revisionist views of, ‘Elizabeth’s final years- The Golden Age of England?’ and name the year this existed

A

1590s
Causes of general discontent with the regime; economic hardship, heavy taxation and war wariness caused grumbling but did not cause lots of people to take action in attempt to overtake the government

55
Q

What was the Orthodox view of, ‘Foreign policy- National Interest or Protestant crusade?’

A

She was not captivated by enthusiasm or images of herself as the saviour of Protestantism
Assisted foreign rebels against Catholic overlords with reluctance
Everything she did was to repel threats

56
Q

What was the Revisionist view of, ‘Foreign policy- National Interest or Protestant crusade?’

A

Utilised the Reformation to remove Catholic threats from foreign countries and saw religion through which she could gain power
She used Protestantism as the vehicle through which she could spread the national interest of England throughout the world

57
Q

What was the Orthodox view of, ‘Poverty and Legislation- Social concern or social control?’

A

Demonstrated compassion, pity and noble nature by moving toward greater government intervention and social regulation through the creation of the Poor Law Legislation, which ensured there was a fair distribution of grains to the poor, and those who were sick were supported and prevented from infecting others

58
Q

What was Revisionist W.K. Jordan’s view of, ‘Poverty and Legislation- Social concern or social control?’

A

Claimed charities remained significant in supporting the destitute and had compensated for the loss of monastic contributions. No impact on survival of lower classes

59
Q

What was Revisionist C. Haigh’s view of, ‘Poverty and Legislation- Social concern or social control?’

A

Governing classes stood united as a means to establish authority and control over lower, often rebellious classes. The solidarity of higher classes ensured the putrefying effects of war were muted

60
Q

STARTING THE DABATE ON HER RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE

A
61
Q

Name a quote about religion

A

“This subject is seldom easy to handle and whichever side one supports one should remain conscious that the other side can also offer a formidable case.” Dickens, The English Reformation

62
Q

Name and define the essential words to know

A
  • Catholicism: Catholic Church believes that priests, bishops and cardinals mediate between believers and God. All are under the authority of the Pope
  • Protestantism: Protestants emphasise the authority of the Bible as opposed to the authority of the Pope. The leader was the ‘Crown’
  • Puritans: Dissatisfied with the Church of England which they saw was too reminiscent of the Church of Rome
  • Religious settlement: The legislation which detailed the way the Church was to be run in England
63
Q

What’s the overarching Orthodox historians opinions on her religious influence?

A
  • Steered a middle path between Catholicism and extreme Protestantism
  • The House of Commons was made up of a well-organised and influential nucleus of Puritans who forced Elizabeth to move further in a Protestant direction that she had originally intended
  • The Puritan faction, which they called ‘The Puritan Choir’ increasingly used the Commons to force the Queen into further reform of a Church of England which they felt was too close to the Church of Rome
64
Q

What are the key Neale arguments?

A
  • When she came to power, she showed great “circumspection in regard to religion; she kept Catholic Mass going in her private chapel… released from gaol the remnants of the Marian persecution but also restrained Protestant hotheads.”
  • “To keep her people united [not divided by religion] was her greatest aim.”
  • “Elizabeth perceived the nature and seriousness of the Puritan challenge to her state.”
65
Q

What’s the overarching of Revisionist historians opinions on her religious influence?

A
  • The success of Elizabeth’s religious policies and beliefs were not as positive and widespread as traditional historians would have us believe
  • Elizabeth manipulated the situation to allow Catholic and Protestants alike to believe nothing final had been decided in regards to religion to preserve the peace
  • Protestantism was not evident in England and Wales until much later; 1620’s
  • Elizabeth did not save England from religious tensions – her religious policy did not present anymore elements of permanency than her predecessors
66
Q

What are the key Elton arguments?

A
  • “The government acted without rigour; evasion of the rules was for the moment winked at and mass was permitted to survive in remote districts.”
  • “The settlement gradually took root in England. Men could not be sure but that another turn of the wheel might come any day; in the meantime, this moderate and moderately imposed system could be borne by nearly all.”
  • “The least known element of all, was her own religious faith. Perhaps – she had none; certainly she had no patience with the quarrels of doctrine and wished to keep the peace…. Her concern was that men, whatever they believed, should obey her government.”
67
Q

What’s the overarching of Feminist historians opinions on her religious influence?

A
  • Religion was a vital tool whereby she engineered her survival and safeguarded her position. In her own terms, Elizabeth’s religious policy was a success. She felt it to be in her interest to establish a broadly-based National Church which excluded as few as possible
  • It is clear that Elizabeth rarely hesitated to exploit the financial position of the Church in her own interests. The Queen had no interest in England after Elizabeth
68
Q

What are the key Bassnett arguments?

A
  • “Elizabeth’s middle of the road position began to emerge clearly; there was a sense of dissatisfaction both among supporters of the Catholic and Protestant causes.”
69
Q

Now, briefly summarise the overarching belief for each, Orthodox, Revisionist and Feminist

A
  • Orthodox historical view- includes historians such as J.E Neale (1934) and argues that the parliament played a major role in Elizabeth’s religious policies
  • Revisionist view- includes historians such as G. R. Elton (1955) and argues that Elizabeth simply learnt to diffuse the situation and ultimately achieved her main goals
  • Feminist view- includes historians such as Susan Bassnett (1989) and argues that Elizabeth used her skill as a woman to pacify as many different groups as possible.
70
Q

NOW WE’RE TALKING ABOUT HISTORIANS

A
71
Q

What type of historian is Susan Bassett?

A

Revisionist Feminist Historian

72
Q

What did she write?

A

Elizabeth I: A Feminist Perspective (1988)

73
Q

Purpose of works

A

To get to know the true Elizabeth

74
Q

What type of historian is William Camden?

A

Narrative Historian, annalistic (year by year), authoritative

75
Q

Purpose of works

A
  • Suggested by Lord Burghley to compose a history of the reign of Elizabeth
  • To applaud the virtues of the Queen and to uphold the Protestant faith
  • Defends her actions, but subtlety
76
Q

What type of historian is Susan Doran?

A

Revisionist Feminist Historian

77
Q

What did she write?

A

16 works on Elizabeth – focusing on her marriage and succession usually

78
Q

Purpose of works

A

To provide a fresh assessment of Elizabeth in light of some more critical and harsh representations of her by male historians from Neale to Haigh.
“Elizabeth’s gender had less impact on political life than is generally assumed”

79
Q

What type of historian is Geoffrey Elton?

A

Political Historian, focus on Tudors. Empiricist historian

80
Q

Purpose of works

A

Lack of work that reflects new evidence and scholarship in this “well-worked period” .
Are of most interest to him as the author, and the focus in politics and administration are less subject to “omission and falsification” (Elton, 1954)

81
Q

What type of historian is Christopher Haigh?

A

Relativist historian

82
Q

Purpose of works

A

“Not a biography, though inevitably it contains much biographical material, it instead analyses the major features, achievements and failures of Elizabeth’s career” (Haigh)

83
Q

What type of historian is John Neale?

A

Traditionalist historian, sometimes referred to as Whig Historian

84
Q

Purpose of works

A

“This biography has been written for a particular occasion and a particular public. The occasion is the fourth centenary of Queen Elizabeth’s birth; the public is the body of lay men and women interested in a great historical personality” (Neale, 1933)

85
Q

What type of historian is Giles Lytton Strachey?

A

Biographical historian

86
Q

Purpose of works

A

Fascinated with the “spectacular” relationship with the Earl of Essex, and the long and intimate association between them. Offers a psychological insight into the relationship and a woman with a man some 40 years her junior

87
Q

Name three quotes from Elizabeth

A
  • “anger makes dull men witty, but it keeps them poor”
  • “do not tell secrets to those whose faith and silence you have not already tested”
  • “a clear an inoscent conscience fears nothing”
88
Q

PORTRAITS

A
89
Q

How is Elizabeth portrayed in Portrait of Elizabeth I as a Princess?

A
  • Elizabeth is portrayed as a youthful and gentle girl, before her accession to throne
  • In her slender fingers, as well as the background, lay books, revealing her studious nature
  • The Princesses crimson dress and necklace of pearls convey her wealth and status, as well as purity and appeal
  • Her figure and stance were carefully crafted, alluding to her potential as an attractive bride
90
Q

Does this portrait relate to events/circumstances occurring during her reign?

A

Considering that this portrait was painted when Elizabeth was only 13, the only role she was intended to fulfil was to marry and form alliances for the benefit of her dynasty

91
Q

Are there indications of her rule within the portrait?

A
  • There are no indications of her rule within this portrait, however, there are aspects which solidify her future reign
  • The princesses confident stance and gentle appearance indicates the type of reign she would unbelievably lead in her future
  • Moreover, the books symbolise that she is intelligent, and contains great depth, alluding to the idea that she would be a calculated ruler
92
Q

What identity is Elizabeth portraying about herself?

A

The purpose of this portrait was to convey young Elizabeth’s beauty, dignity and gentle nature. Hence, a more feminine identity is represented, with an emphasis on wealth, power and privilege

93
Q

How is Elizabeth portrayed in the Pelican Portrait?

A
  • Elizabeth is portrayed as a sacrificial and powerful figure
  • Her elaborate clothing and jewellery indicates her wealth and status
  • The pelican jewel at her breast represents public service, selflessness, sacrifice, which contribute to alluding to her role as a mother to the nation
  • The two cherries ticked behind her ear refer to her virginity
94
Q

Does this portrait relate to events/circumstances occurring during her reign?

A

One of Queen Elizabeth’s most favoured symbols was the Pelican. It is often said that the Pelican symbolises Christ’s sacrifice of dying on the cross to save mankind. Moreover, it is thought to be symbolic of Mother Pelicans plucking their own breasts to feed their young with their blood, giving their own life in order to prevent their babies of dying. It is evident that the symbol of the Pelican certainly relates to Elizabeth’s reign, for she endured great sacrifice, in terms of her personal life, for the greater security of her kingdom. She represented motherly love for her Protestant nation, signifying her commitment to and endeavour for them

95
Q

Are there indications of her rule within the portrait?

A
  • Yes, the indications of her rule are signified through the canopy in which she standing underneath, suggesting that she is enfroned (install on a throne, especially during a ceremony to mark the beginning of their rule)
  • Further, as explained in the previous slide, the Pelican pendant is a great indication of Elizabeth’s successful rule.
96
Q

What identity is Elizabeth portraying about herself?

A

Elizabeth is represented as a nurturing and caring Queen, through the sacrificial love she holds for her kingdom. She is depicted as the mother of England, and this results in an approachable and gentle identity

97
Q

How is Elizabeth portrayed in the Darnely portrait?

A
  • The queen is wearing a Polish-style doublet which shows masculinity and also depicts her eagerness to look equal to her male counterparts. It is important to
    remember that colouring of this painting has faded, and she was actually in her 40s during the painting.
  • The objects in this image are essential in portraying a purpose; A double string of pearls looped around her neck represents purity; An ostrich- feather fan represents wealth and power; The crown on the table to the right of the Queen is symbolic of her strength of her power
98
Q

Does this portrait relate to events/circumstances occurring during her reign?

A

This image is essential in representing the mass amount of power Queen Elizabeth held during the middle of her reign. The struggles she encountered due to her gender are certainly demonstrated in her stance in this image, especially when comparing it to previous images. She is strong and independent, with a powerful gaze, indicating her eagerness to ‘fit in’ with the male people who dominated the society during this time

99
Q

Are there indications of her rule within the portrait?

A

Yes, Elizabeth’s facial expressions represent the bold, determined and strong features of her ruling. This is due to the endless criticisms encountered because of her gender, and hence, she chose to be depicted as independent and dominant

100
Q

What identity is Elizabeth portraying about herself?

A

Through Elizabeth’s demanding and intimidating gaze, represents her dominant identity. Moreover, she looks haughty and imperious, which may be due to the circumstances forced upon her

history extension (2 decks)

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