Character And Aims Of Elizabeth

Question 1

Who was Elizabeth?

Answer 1

The daughter of Anne Boleyn (second wife) and came to the throne at 25. (Mary was 37)
Followed the Protestant faith which was dangerous during the reign of Mary
During the reign of Mary, most rebels plotted to put Elizabeth on the throne
The wyatts rebellion put the life of Elizabeth in danger as she was soon arrested and imprisoned in the Tower of London and later released and banished to an Oxford shire manor

Question 2

The aims of Elizabeth

Answer 2

The experience of Elizabeth had a great effect upon her and shaped her personality
She was a very cautious queen
She believed that god had a chosen her to be his instrument on earth
Explains her strong religious faith
Was determined not to be empowered by any man

Question 3

Elizabeth’s Consolidation of power

Answer 3

Elizabeth was determined to learn from the errors made by Mary and made special consideration to a number of policies
-religious policy
-financial policy (bad economy in 1558)
-succession
Religious policy was the source of a lot of confusion under Edward and Mary
Elizabeth did three things to consolidate her power
-organized a lavish coronation (makes a monarchal history)
-chose her ministers carefully
-called her parliament within weeks of succession

Question 4

Early religious policy

Answer 4

There is a debate as to strength of Protestantism and Catholicism during the start of Elizabeth’s reign
It is argued that most people were relatively indifferent to the small details of each religion
Elizabeth was a Protestant and wanted England to become a Protestant state
However, a policy was not to be too radical
The religious policy was going to be a ‘middle way’ between Catholicism and Protestantism
Yet, Catholics were still not really happy with the religious settlement

Question 5

The religious settlement

Answer 5

It came out of Elizabeths first parliament (Jan- April 1559)
It reconfirmed the royal supremacy and included act of uniformity
Was vague to avoid alienation of Catholics and was capable of both Catholic and Protestant interpretation

Question 6

What did the act of uniformity establish

Answer 6

1. A racer book less radical than edwardianprayer books
2. 1536- th thirty nine articles which revised the fourth two articles of 1553

Question 7

Elizabeths early foreign policy

Answer 7

-keen to avoid war as she knew that it was too expensive and posed a threat to her position
-one of her first policy moves was to ratify peace with France - 1559 treaty of cateau cambresis was signed

Question 8

Was Elizabeth cautious

Answer 8

Cautious in foreign affairs and supported a poorly sourced military campaign.
There was also a threat to the crown from catholic forces meaning she had to be cautious