Crisis in government under Elizabeth: Issue of Succession/faction

Question 1

Why did factions develop in the 90s?

What were 2 main factions/why did they form (what their views)

Answer 1

• Before 1589, the court was free of factions however Elizabeths trusted advisors began to die
• Elizabeth was in her mid 50s and unlikely to have children so candidates for her succession needed to put as many ppl into powerful positions
  Factions formed around Cecil and the Earl of Essex. They were divided over the issue of the war with Spain.

Question 2

Outline info regarding Cecil faction… 3 main points

Why were they more effective in securing power?

Answer 2

One faction was based around William Cecil and his son, Robert Cecil. Cecil was planning his own succession as well as Elizabeth’s. He wanted to pass his power and wealth onto his son.
He was a shrewd (good judgement) and crafty politician and administrator and he sought to strengthen his position as Elizabeth’s chief minister and enhance his relation with her successor. (James VI of Scotland)
Elizabeth promoted Cecil due to him agreeing to her tactics regarding war as she favoured a cautious, defensive approach to war in Spain.
The Cecil faction was far more effective in securing power as Cecil monopolised many positions in government.

Question 3

Give info about Essex faction and Robert Devereux. ( give 4 points)
Why couldnt he gain power?

Answer 3

This faction, especially Devereux was interested in war abroad and offense against Spain to support Protestant interests.
He was a ‘man of the people’ and courted popular opinion.
As a favourite of Elizabeth, he flattered and entertained her.
Elizabeth kept him under close control. He was not a wealthy member of the nobility but was given monopoly of sweet wines (previously monopolised by Earl of Leicester).
-He was appointed to council in 1593 allowing him to argue for a more aggressive foreign policy. He remained reliant on the queen for power and influence and did not have the resources to build up a following and increase his power in court.

Question 4

Explain why Cecil was successful and Essex wasnt. Include fact too

Answer 4

Essex was unable to gain significant support as rather than using political manipulation he wanted to be the ‘people’s man’ and wanted to be an active leader who fought in wars. (he attracted 12 deputy lieutenants to his faction). However, Cecil was more tactful and used their support in council and in the Council of the North.

Question 5

Give examples of when there was a threat from the factions?

Answer 5

• 1596: Essex went to cadiz, whilst away Cecil tightened grip.
  1599: Essex becomes lord deputy of Ireland and whilst away Robert Cecil secures all positions, Essex came back and stormed Elizabeths chambers, he was jailed and his monopoly on sweet wines taken.
  1601: Essex tried to gain support as he marched through London but this failed and he was sieged and killed at his house. After this the faction deteriorated.

Question 6

Write conclusion for the threat of faction

Answer 6

NO REAL THREAT. Led to unsettled and volatile atmosphere at court but the combination of ageing queen, outstretched resources and war were at fault for crisis
Elizabeth HAD control over them both e.g. when she removed his monopoly on sweet wines.
She removed all his power, leaving him with nothing.
She had control of both and she removed interests in Essex and in turn he lost power support and his factoin died.