Elizabeth Chapter 7- Mary, Queen of Scots Flashcards
Who was Mary, Queen of Scots, and why was she significant in Elizabeth’s reign?
*Elizabeth’s cousin; her grandmother was Henry VIII’s sister.
*Catholic and became Queen of Scotland in 1542 at 8 days old.
*Briefly queen of both Scotland and France after marrying the heir to the French throne in 1558.
*Seen by many as the rightful heir to the English throne, especially since Elizabeth had no children.
*Returned to Scotland in 1561, but became unpopular due to the Protestant Reformation there.
*Fled to England in 1568 after being accused of murdering her second husband, Lord Darnley.
What made Mary, Queen of Scots, a threat to Elizabeth I?
*Mary’s Catholic faith worried Protestants, who feared she might lead or inspire a rebellion.
*Her presence in England reminded people of Mary I’s reign and the persecution of Protestants.
*Though not directly involved, Mary inspired several plots against Elizabeth.
*Her arrival in England prompted Parliament and Privy Councillors to call for her execution.
What was the Babington Plot of 1586 and how was Mary involved?
*Anthony Babington planned to kill Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne.
*Babington sent coded messages hidden in beer barrels to Mary asking for her support.
*Mary replied, backing the plot.
*The plot was uncovered by spies working for Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s spymaster, who intercepted the messages.
How did Elizabeth react when Mary was implicated in the Babington Plot?
-With evidence of Mary’s involvement, Elizabeth reluctantly ordered Mary to stand trial for treason.
-Despite hesitations, Elizabeth knew she had to act, leading to Mary’s trial and eventual execution.
What were the key events of Mary, Queen of Scots’ trial in 1586?
*Mary was tried by a court of 36 noblemen, including Walsingham and William Cecil.
*Mary strongly defended herself, claiming the court had no right to try her, as she wasn’t English.
*She was found guilty of treason and sentenced to death on 25 October 1586.
What were the key events leading to Mary, Queen of Scots’ execution?
-Elizabeth hesitated, fearing backlash from Catholic powers and revenge from Mary’s son, James.
-Eventually, Elizabeth signed the death warrant on 1 February 1587.
-Mary was executed privately on 8 February 1587 at Fotheringhay Castle.
What was the impact of Mary, Queen of Scots’ execution in 1587?
-Without Mary, Catholics had no clear alternative monarch.
-Mary’s son, James VI of Scotland, was Protestant and became the heir to the English throne.
-Mary became a martyr in the eyes of many Catholics, seen as a victim of Elizabeth’s heresy.
-Elizabeth’s fears of foreign reaction were largely unfounded; there was outrage but no significant action from France or Spain.
What were the key dates in Mary, Queen of Scots’ life?
-1542
-1558
-1561
-1565
-1566
-1567
-1568
-1586
-1587
*1542: Born and became Queen of Scotland.
*1558: Married the heir to the French throne.
*1561: Returned to Scotland after the King of France’s death.
*1565: Married Lord Darnley.
*1566: Birth of her son, James VI of Scotland and I of England.
*1567: Forced to abdicate after Lord Darnley’s murder.
*1568: Fled to England.
*1586: Went on trial for treason.
*1587: Executed.
