Elizabeth I Flashcards
1
Q
Who were Elizabeth’s parents?
A
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
2
Q
Who were the 3 monarchs before her?
A
Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, the Elizabeth I.
3
Q
Who was Elizabeth’s heir in 1558?
A
Although she didn’t name one, the next in line was Mary Queen of Scots until she was beheaded, then it was James VI (Stuart) who she named as heir on her deathbed.
4
Q
How good a friend was Scotland in 1558?
A
Scotland is a Protestant country. Its rulers, the Stuart family, have always been very friendly with France. Mary, Queen of Scots, is Catholic and married to a French prince and claims that she is the rightful Queen of England (she is a great-granddaughter of Henry VII). Scotland and England have been enemies for centuries. They have fought many wars.
5
Q
How good a friend was Ireland in 1558?
A
English kings have always claimed to rule Ireland. In fact, England controls only a small area around Dublin. Most Irish people are Roman Catholics. An enemy could easily use Ireland as a base for attacking England.
6
Q
How good a friend were the Netherlands/the Low Countries in 1558?
A
The Low Countries consist of modern day Belgium and the Netherlands. They are ruled by Spain but Protestant ideas are spreading. This is an important country for English trade. Many English merchants sell their goods here, especially cloth.
7
Q
How good a friend was France in 1558?
A
England and Spain are at war with France. France is friendly with Scotland. England and France have been enemies for centuries. They have fought many wars. France is a Roman Catholic country but Protestant ideas are spreading in some areas.
8
Q
How good a friend was Spain in 1558?
A
England and Spain have been friendly for most of the sixteenth century. Mary Tudor, Elizabeth’s sister was married to King Philip II of Spain. Now he hopes to marry Elizabeth. Spain are a useful ally against France.
9
Q
True or false: Catholics believed that Elizabeth was illegitimate
A
True
10
Q
True or false: Elizabeth inherited a Protestant England
A
False - Catholic.
11
Q
True or false: Mary Queen of Scots was Elizabeth’s sister
A
False - cousin.
12
Q
True or false: France was a traditional enemy of England
A
True
13
Q
True or false: The Netherland could be a potential ally for England at the beginning of her reign
A
True
14
Q
True or false: In 1558 Jame VI of Scotland was the heir to Elizabeth’s throne
A
False - Mary Queen of Scots until her execution in 1587
15
Q
True or false: Robert Dudley was the head of Elizabeth’s spy network
A
False - Walsingham
16
Q
True or false: Spain was an enemy at the beginning of Elizabeth’s reign
A
False - had been allied together in war against France and Mary was married to Philip.
17
Q
How was Elizabethan society structured?
A
Social hierarchy of towns and cities:
Merchants (often owned a lot of property). - About 30,000 families
Professionals (lawyers, clergy, doctors, teachers).
Business owners (usually highly skilled craftsmen, employed others).
Skilled craftsmen (people who had learned a skill or trade) - about 500,000 families.
Unskilled workers and the unemployed - about 500,000 families
Social hierarchy of countryside:
Nobility - About 50 families
Gentry - About 10,000 families
Yeomen - About 100,000 families
Tenant farmers - About 100,000 families
Landless or labouring poor - about 500,000 families
Vagrants, homeless.
18
Q
Who had the most power in society?
A
The monarch
19
Q
What did power and influence depend on in society?
A
Land
20
Q
Who were the most dangerous group for the monarch?
A
Nobility - most powerful.
21
Q
Who ran local government for the monarch?
A
Gentry
22
Q
What was the difference between yeomen and labourers?
A
Yeomen owned land
23
Q
What sort of things did craftsmen do?
A
Skilled jobs - Silversmiths, carpenters, tailors etc
24
Q
What percentage of people live in the countryside?
A
90%
25
Describe two features of Elizabeth’s government (4 marks)
Describe one feature and then give some detail about the feature. E.g.
One feature of Elizabeth’s government was her Privy Council. This was a council chosen by her of 19 advisors. They were made up of the most important and powerful men in England, usually nobles and she relied on them for most advice and decision making.
You need to do this twice. - 5 minutes!
A feature of Elizabeth’s government was parliament. It was made up of the house of lords and the house of commons. They could only be called or dismissed by the monarch. Their role was to grant taxation, pass laws and offer advice.
A feature of Elizabeth’s government was her Secretary of State. This was the most important person in her Privy Council. He was her most trustworthy advisor who influenced her on her decisions.
26
What was the average life expectancy in Elizabethan times?
28-41
27
Society, government, law and order were based on what?
Inequality
28
How much social mobility was there?
Very little, and everyone had a clear idea of where they belonged
29
How strong was Elizabeth’s position in 1558-60?
Character: Very intelligent, understood politics well + spoke several languages e.g. Latin, French etc.
Confident + charismatic - gave great speeches + won people over.
Her Privy Council and Parliament were often frustrated with her indecision and her refusal to marry.
Gender: People thought women were emotionally, mentally and physically unfit to rule
Many thought she should marry to be under ‘male supervision’ and provide an heir.
She refused many proposals, preferring to not give up her control. This did raise the issue of succession though as she would have no children
Worry that her reign would go badly, as her sister Mary I’s had; lost a war with France, bad harvests, unpopular marriage + burning 300 Protestants.
Legitimacy: To be legitimate, your parents had to be married when you were born.
Catholics thought Elizabeth was illegitimate as they didn’t recognise the divorce of Henry and Catherine and Aragon, and Elizabeth was born when Catherine was still alive.
In 1536, Henry himself said she was illegitimate, though he later overturned this.
She was the only remaining child of Henry VIII - closely related to all previous monarchs for the past 50 years.
Financial Issues: The English government didn’t have a lot of money in 1558 because of previous costly wars - lots of Crown lands had to be sold to repay debts.
In 1558, the Crown was £300,000 in debt (total annual income for Crown was £286,667).
Raising taxes was a possibility, but would put Elizabeth into Parliament’s mercy, which she didn’t want either.
The French and Scottish threat: France was England’s traditional enemy, much wealthier than England. Usually allied with Scotland (the Auld Alliance).
The Scottish Queen = Mary, Elizabeth’s heir and cousin who was married to the King of France (England sandwiched). He died in 1560, so this lessened the threat somewhat.
Mary declared herself the legitimate Catholic Queen of England.
There were French troops helping to protect the Scottish-English border.
England had held Calais (northern France) since 1347. It was a useful military and trading base. It was lost in the war with France in the 1550s, and confirmed by Treaty in 1559. Humiliating for the English.
There was a possibility that Catholic France and Spain could unite against Protestant England, though in 1558, England and Spain were on friendly terms.
30
Describe challenges abroad 1558
Scotland
An independent country and old enemy of England.
Mary of Guise was married James V of Scotland.
When James V died in 1542 the crown past to his only legitimate child, Mary (who was 6 days old at the time!). Therefore her mother, Mary of Guise ruled Scotland as Queen regent on behalf of her daughter until she died in 1560.
Calais
A place in France that was English controlled until Mary I lost it under the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis
France
An old enemy of England.
Mary Queen of Scots was brought up in France and married the French king Francis I in 1558. He died in 1560 and she returned to Scotland.
31
Who is Francis Walsingham?
Part of the Privy council. In charge of Elizabeth's spy network.
32
Who is William Cecil?
Member of the privy council. Chief minister.
33
Who is Francis Drake?
Explorer and sailor. 1st person to circumnavigate the world. helped to defeat the Spanish during the Spanish Armada.
34
Who is Henry VIII?
Elizabeth's father, was the king. Caused religious divisions.
35
Who is Anne Boleyn?
Elizabeth's mother.
36
Who is Robert Dudley?
Earl of Leicester. leading Noble and member of the privy council. He and Elizabeth were rumoured to be lovers, they were close friends. Elizabeth called his her 'Sweet Robin'.
37
Who is Mary I?
Elizabeth's sister.
38
Who is Edward VI?
Elizabeth's brother.
39
Who is John Hawkins?
An explorer linked to the beginning of the Slave Trade.
40
Who is Philip of Spain?
Enemy, potential husband. King of Spain.
41
Who is Mary Queen of Scots?
The original heir to the throne, queen of Scotland and Elizabeth's cousin.
42
Who is Walter Raleigh?
Famous explorer and courtier. Discovered parts of America. named Virginia after Elizabeth.
43
Who is Thomas Howard?
Duke of Norfolk. A Catholic involved in a plot with an Italian banker. Tried to replace Elizabeth with Mary Queen of Scots. executed.
44
Who is Pope Pius IV?
Enemy of Elizabeth.
45
Who is Anthony Babington?
Involved in Catholic plots.
46
Who is Robert di Ridolfi?
Involved in Catholic plots.
47
Who is Francis Throckmorton?
Involved in Catholic plots. Catholic who plotted to overthrow the queen. Was executed.
48
Who is Charles Neville?
Earl of Westmorland. Led a Catholic revolt against Elizabeth.
49
Who is Thomas Percy?
Duke of Northumberland. Led a Catholic revolt against Elizabeth.
50
Describe the key features of the monarch.
They could declare war, rejects laws, dismiss parliament, and grant, titles, money, land, and jobs.
The government is centred around the monarch. They believed they had the right to rule by “grace of God”. They made government policy, important decisions with the advice of the Privy Council.
51
Describe the key features of the court.
A body of people who lived near the Monarch.
Mostly made of nobility.
The monarch, key servants, advisors and friends.
Attending court required the monarch’s permission.
52
Describe the role of the court.
To entertain and advise the monarch.
A public display of wealth and power.
Courtiers had influence with the monarch other than actual power.
53
Describe the key features of the secretary of state.
The most important privy counsellor. Person in government who the monarch was closest to and advised them on important matters.
54
Describe the key features of the privy council.
Made up of leading quartets and advisors as well as nobles and very senior government officials.
Approximately 19 members chosen by the monarch.
Met at least three times a week meetings were often attended and presided over by the monarch.
55
Describe the role of the privy council.
To debate current issues and advise the monarch.
To make sure the monarch decisions are carried out.
To oversee law and order, local government and security.
Monitored justices of peace and the proceedings of parliament.
56
Describe the key features of parliament.
Throughout Elizabeth’s reign, parliament was only called 10 times.
Made up of the House of Lords and House of Commons.
Could only be called and dismissed by the monarch.
Elections were held before each new parliament, but a few people could vote.
57
Describe the role of parliament.
To grant extra ordinary taxation.
To pass laws.
To offer advice to the monarch.
58
Describe the relationship Parliament had with the monarch.
Although the Queen was more important, she relied in parliament for advice. They both need each other.
59
Describe the key features of the Lords lieutenant.
Each county had one, chosen by the monarch.
They were members of nobility and often also on the Privy Council.
Essential to maintaining the monarch, power and England’s defences.
60
Describe the role of the Lord’s lieutenant.
They were in charge of raising and training, the local militia and overseeing the countries defences.
They oversaw the enforcement of policies.
Part of the local government.
61
Describe the key features of the justices of peace.
They were large landowners who kept law and order in their local areas.
They were unpaid and reported to the privy council.
It was a position of status and a popular job.
62
Describe the role of justices of peace.
They made sure all social economic policies were carried out.
They had county court cases every three months for more serious crimes.
They were part of the local government.
63
Why was religion such an important issue for people in tutor times?
Everyone had to be the same religion as the monarch, because it was a confessional state. Religion was behind the whole structure of society, and people believe that if the monarch got the religion wrong, they would go to hell and have eternal suffering.
Church was also important place for peoples social life.
64
Describe what happened in the reformation.
The reformation began in Europe when growing numbers of people challenged the Roman Catholic Church. They believe that it had become corrupt, greedy, and no longer represented a truly Christian life, and needed to reform. This movement began in 1517 in Germany with a priest named Martin Luther. His ideas spread quickly, because of the printing, press, relatively new invention, meaning that new ideas could spread very fast, and it was impossible for the Catholic Church to stamp it out. these people, known as protestants, started establishing new churches, without the pope.
The English reformation began in 1534, when Henry the eighth created the church of England, and made himself the head, breaking away from the pope. However, Henry was never a true protestant; he only did this to annul his marriage, his wife, Catherine Aragon.
65
Describe the religious beliefs of Catholics.
The church was an important intermediary between God and people because only a priest could forgive sins
The Pope (in Rome) was the the head of the Catholic church
Mass was important
Churches should be richly decorated with beautiful paintings, statues and gold to glorify God and help people understand the Bible
66
Describe the religious beliefs of Protestants.
No pope - Monarch was the head of the church
Sins can only be forgiven by God
People have a direct relationship with God through reading the Bible and private prayer
Churches should be simply decorated to not distract from worshipping God
67
Describe the religious beliefs of Puritans.
Wanted to purify the Christian religion further - removing the ‘Catholic elements’ which were part of the compromise of the Elizabethan church
Removed everything that wasn’t in the Bible
Extremely basic areas of worship - no altar
68
Describe the practices of Puritans.
Individual worship and prayer was very important - priests were ordinary men and could marry
Church hierarchy were not necessary - do not believe there should be a human head of the church or bishops to help run the church
69
Where did Catholics have support?
North West England
Spain
France
Some places in Scotland
Ireland
Catholic bishops in the House of Lords
70
Describe the practices of Catholics.
Bible and church services should be in Latin
Priests not allowed to marry - special role in the miracle and forgiving sins - special robes, vestments to represent this
During Mass, bread and wine became Jesus’ flesh and blood (transubstantiation). This is considered a miracle.
Strict Church hierarchy: Pope, Cardinals, Bishops, priests
71
Describe the practices of Protestants.
Bible and Church services in English
Priests can marry
Priests not as important, they do not perform miracles or help to forgive sins
Bread and wine only symbolises the last supper - there is no miracle
72
Where did Protestants have support?
London
Elizabeth I
South East England
Netherlands
German states
73
Where did Puritans have support?
London
Some parts of East Anglia
Most of Scotland
74
How much of problem were Catholics?
A significant problem for the Queen, both at home (internal) and abroad (external)
Possible invasion and/or rebellion/uprising.
75
How much of problem were Protestants?
No - she was a Protestant. A potential problem if Elizabeth supports Catholics too much.
76
How much of problem were Puritans?
Although a minority, they were a significant problem and wanted to challenge her power and authority.
Needed as Protestant Bishops and priests ect.
77
What did the Act of Supremacy make Elizabeth?
The Supreme Governor of the Church.
78
What was set up to ensure people obeyed the Act of Supremacy?
clergy (priests) and church officials had to swear an oath of loyalty to Elizabeth
Ecclesiastical High Commission - to maintain discipline in the church and enforce her settlement. Clergy whose loyalty was in doubt were punished
79
What was the Religious Settlement?
A series of new laws and rules that aimed to ease the tensions over religion in England.
It took elements from both Protestantism and Catholicism, in order to find a ‘middle way’
Attempt to avoid religious conflict and safeguard peace across the country.
80
What year was the Religious Settlement?
1559
81
What did the Act of Uniformity set up?
Established the appearance of the church and what church services would look like (Book of Common Prayer - clergy had to use the exact wording of this book during church services.
82
Why was the wording of the new Book of Common Prayer unclear?
So that Catholics and Protestants could both interpret the words how they wanted to - trying to keep both happy. Bread and wine - see it as a symbol or literal
83
What did the Book of Common Prayer say about priests’ clothes?
They had to wear special vestments
84
What happened to people who didn’t attend Church every Sunday?
They were fined - 1 shilling for every absence
(Labourers - 4 - 5 days wages)
85
What were Royal Injunctions?
Issued to help further est the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity
86
List 3 Royal Injunctions
Each parish to have a copy of the bible in English
No-one was allowed to preach without a licence.
Anyone who refused to attend church was to be reported to the privy council
87
What did Royal Injunctions say about ‘fake’ miracles? Why was this important?
Who was unhappy about this?
Referred to ‘fake miracles’ as leaving room for the possibility of real ones. To allow for both sides to be happy.
Puritans wanted the message about fake miracles and idols to be clearer.
88
What was the centre of village life?
Parish church - controlled what was preached, enforced monarchs power, gave guidance, church courts, and enforced the religious settlement
89
What did the Church Courts do?
Ruling on Church matters and a range of minor disputes and moral issues - marriage issues, slander, sexual offences, inheritance and wills. All other offences were dealt with in civil courts.
90
How did the Church enforce the religious settlement?
Visitations - bishops went around to parish churches conducting inspections to ensure Elizabeth’s religious changes had be carried out and the oaths of loyalty had been taken by clergy.
Visitations were every 4 years.
First visitation were in 1559 and resulted in 400 clergy being dismissed.
However Elizabeth made it clear she did not want people’s religious beliefs investigated too closely.
91
Which Act was concerned with the hierarchy of the church? Given an example.
Act of Supremacy - Elizabeth is supreme governor of the Church and bishop would help her to govern.
92
Which Act was concerned with ensuring all people worshipped in the same way? Give an example.
Act of Uniformity - New prayer book all must use, priests must all wear vestment, bible and services must be in English.
93
What was the purpose of the Royal Injunctions?
A set of instructions which reinforced the Acts of Supremacy and Act of uniformity
94
What did Church courts deal with?
Church matters and they did act in a range of minor disputes. They also dealt with wills and inheritance.
95
How did the church help to enforce the religious settlement?
Visitations by bishops - 4000 clergy dismissed in first set of visitations. Every 3-4 years.
96
What was the Crucifix Controversy about?
To Puritans the crucifix represented idols (they believed all worship should be focused on God’s word in the Bible and therefore churches should be stripped of any religious symbols or statues).
Elizabeth wanted churches to have a similar look and feel as the Catholic Church, she didn’t want to anger Catholics.
97
When was the Crucifix Controversy?
The 1560s
98
How was the Crucifix Controversy dealt with by Elizabeth?
Puritan Bishops resigned in protest and Elizabeth backed down
99
What was the Vestment Controversy about?
Puritans also challenged the Catholic idea that priests were set apart from ordinary people and rejected the idea that priest could perform miracles like transubstantiation. As a result, they rejected the custom of priests wearing elaborate vestments to symbolise their special status. Elizabeth wanted special vestments to be worn by priests. It was clear by 1565 that many of the clergy were not following the Royal Injunction that stated this.
100
How was the Vestment Controversy dealt with?
The Archbishop of Canterbury issued further guidelines for priests and a special exhibition was put on in London, to show what priests must wear. 37 out of 110 members of clergy did not attend and lost their posts (job) as a result. Most clergy adopted the guidelines.
101
When was the Vestment Controversy?
1560s
102
When was The Northern Rebellion?
1569
103
What was The Northern Rebellion about?
The Earl of Westmorland and the Earl of Northumberland led a rebellion in the north of England known as, the Revolt of the Northern Earls. They were able to take control of Durham Cathedral and celebrated a full Catholic Mass in it.
104
How was The Northern Rebellion dealt with by Elizabeth?
Elizabeth’s reaction to the rebellion was swift. Most of the rebels retreated as soon as they heard that several thousand troops were marching north. Prisoners were severely punished with over 800 rebels being executed in a warning to other potential rebels.
105
What makes something a serious challenge/ threat?
Success - do they get her to change the rules of her settlement
Do they undermine her/ make her look weak
Do they seriously endanger her life/ throne
A threat that can’t be dealt with easily - it is long lasting
Is it wide reaching?
106
Explain two reasons why the Catholic threat was not serious before 1569.
The settlement had tried to incorporate some Catholic elements or allow for private interpretation
Elizabeth had a measured approach to recusants - not too harsh
Little leadership - Pope and Mary Queen of Scots lead/ are focal points later
107
List Elizabeth's 3 aims
Trying to protect English interests and her religious settlement - without going to war!!!
Wanted the Spanish to leave the Netherlands
Wanted to avoid France and Spain forming an alliance against England
108
What was the Spanish inquisition?
The Spanish Inquisition was a system of courts whose purpose was to combat ‘false church authority’ in Spain. It lasted between 1478 and 1834. Its brutal methods led to widespread death and suffering.
The Inquisition was characterised by secret procedures, the use of torture during interrogation, and the complete lack of rights for the accused.
109
How long did the Inquisition Last?
It lasted between 1478 and 1834. Its brutal methods led to widespread death and suffering.
110
Who did the Netherlands belong to?
Spanish King Philip II
111
What did Philip do because he wanted the Netherlands to be Catholic?
He brought in the Spanish Inquisition.
112
When were there religious wars in France?
1562
113
Why did religious wars in France worry Elizabeth?
It could encourage religious conflict in England.
114
Who did Elizabeth help during the French war?
What was the outcome?
French Protestants, hoping to gain Calais as a result.
This fails and French Plot make peace with Catholic France.
115
Why might the Spanish Inquisition be a threat to the Elizabethan religious settlement?
The Spanish Inquisition would feel very close to England and this would feel like a threat to her Protestant religious settlement
116
Why might the religious wars in France be a threat to the Elizabethan religious settlement?
This angered Philip who disliked her helping other Protestants in Europe, it could result in him attacking England to prevent this and ultimately changing England’s religion
117
When was the Spanish trade embargo?
1563
118
