Consolidation of power

Question 1

17 Nov 1558

Answer 1

-Nicholas Heath, Mary’s Lord Chancellor proclaimed Elizabeth’s succession–> significant as it showed how Elizabeth’s assent was accepted by the political elite of the country

Question 2

why was it a difficult succession-

Answer 2

-England at the time were suffering from bad harvests
-Country just experienced the flu epidemic which brought about the highest mortality rate since the Black Death
-England had just fought a war with France, which resulted in the loss of Calais
-Questions surrounding the queens marriage

Question 3

What did she gain internationally?

Answer 3

-Confirmation from the Spain ambassador, which demonstrated how unwilling Philip II was to do anything that would disrupt the smoothness of her succession

Question 4

How did Elizabeth proceed?

Answer 4

-Proceeded quickly, within 2 months, of her coronation on the 15 Jan 1559

Question 5

Who did she appoint as principle secretary?

Answer 5

-William Cecil, their political relationship lasted 40 years

Question 6

Issues with succession

Answer 6

-Elizabeth was still unmarried by 25
-Her relationship w her father + siblings resulted in a lack of trust
-Her councillors were within their right to be concerned with the issue of her marriage as they had to plan ahead for the future, as they didn’t want a catholic to succeed the throne BUT Elizabeth believed royal marriage + succession were within royal prerogative