Elizabeth I and Relations With Foreign Powers Flashcards
Mary, Queen of Scots and Francis II of France
Elizabeth I’s cousin, Mary was the Queen of Scotland. Mary had married Prince Francis of France. Following the death of Francis’ father, Henry II, Mary and her husband became the rulers of France. However, Francis II died in 1560 and Mary returned to Scotland.
Secure the Scottish Border
Elizabeth I and her advisors wanted to make sure the border with Scotland was secure. This was to prevent any potential invasion by French and Scottish forces. In December 1559, the English navy went to the Firth of Forth (near Edinburgh) to stop French troops from landing.
The Scottish Protestant Rebellion
Under pressure from her advisors, Elizabeth I supported a rebellion in Scotland against Mary of Guise (the regent of Scotland). This rebellion was led by John Knox and Scottish noblemen, called the Lords of the Congregation. After successfully seizing power, these noblemen formed a parliament and reformed the Church of Scotland.
This reduced Scotland’s threat to Elizabeth I.
The Treaty of Edinburgh
The Treaty of Edinburgh was signed between England, Scotland and France in 1560. This treaty put an end to the rebellion led by the Lords of the Congregation. The treaty ended the Auld Alliance between Scotland and France, reducing the threat of these countries to England. Elizabeth I secured peace with France by signing the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis. This demonstrates Elizabeth I’s desire to avoid costly wars and keep peace with England’s neighbours.
French Wars of Religion
In 1562 France was thrust into the Wars of Religion. This was a conflict between Catholics and Huguenots (Protestants). This internal fighting meant France was less of a threat to England.
Philip II’s Ban on English Clothing Exports
The Netherlands was a vital trading partner with England. In 1563, Philip II banned English cloth imports to the Netherlands. This damaged England’s economy.
Reasons for the Ban
This ban was supposedly meant to protect the Netherlands against infection from England. However, in reality it was a reaction against England’s growing power in their trading relationship. It may also have been in response to Elizabeth ignoring the Protestant messages English merchants were spreading to the Dutch people.
Elizabeth’s Response to the Ban
Elizabeth also banned dutch imports. By 1564, both bans were lifted and trade relations returned to normal.
The Treaty of Spain
Although Elizabeth tried to maintain peace with Philip II, she was aware of the threat he posed.
