Elizabeth's government Flashcards
Who was the most influential minister?
William Cecil
What was the significance of William Cecil becoming Lord Treasurer?
It made it easier- no longer having to deal with bureaucratic pressures. The significance of his role remained the same
What was Cecil’s approach to the royal expenditure?
Conservative.
When did reshaping of the Privy Council take place?
1570s
How did the Privy Council start to change?
Influence of the traditional conservative aristocracy was reduced with the downfall and execution of Norfolk and the death of Lord Treasurer Winchester
Has the changes to the privy council changed its effectiveness?
No. Little changed.
What have some argued the execution of MQS caused the changes to the relations between PC and Elizabeth?
Some argue that there was a break down in relations after the execution in 1587
How did Elizabeth give rewards to her councillors?
Bestowing honours/grants/ selling crown lands Granting monopolies
How did the issues of the councillors cause Elizabeths authority to be undermined?
Increased factional rivalry which began to be uncontrollable Abuse of monopolies caused deterioration in relations
How did uncontrollable issues of age and time cause Elizabeths authority to be undermined?
Elizabeth and Burghley were ageing Deaths of many close advisers so she suffered major blow
Who were the entourage?
Courtiers (e.g. Dudley, Essex, Walsingham) - the ‘fun’ ones
Who were the Politicians?
Ministers based on ability (e.g. William Cecil and Robert Cecil)
What was a patronage?
Offered roles as rewards. Helped families, set up entourage/ retinue followers
What was the significance of the Presence Chamber?
Had guarded access Turned to them for decisions, private rituals and reinforcement of Gloriana. Their presence impacted decisions and patronage
What was the significance of the Privy Council?
Help mediate control of events Members were people like to mobility and experienced and suitable
What did the Privy Council discuss throughout Elizabeths reign?
Elizabeths illness in 1562 Possibility of marriage Mary Queen of Scots’ assassination William Orange and Dutch rebels Mundane matters like road conditions and food supplies
What did William Cecil do that proves that he was important?
Created the Intelligent service Managed house of Commons and Lords Created Propaganda system Ensured Privy Council was efficient Work rate was incredible
What foreign affair did Willian Cecil deal with?
Ensured finance and administration were effective during War with Spain Drafted Elizabeths correspondence with foreign ambassador
What is the difference between the House of Lords and House of Commons?
House of Commons used to be the most important. But Cecil was promoted a lord as a parliamentary manager. As a lord, business increased and the lords were to put pressure on the Commons through its collective social weight
How did Elizabeth deal with Privy Council when she started her reign?
Kept existing council and government structures but selected on basis of ability (even meant keeping those from previous reign as experience meant stability)
How did Elizabeth deal with the Country’s religion? What did it mean for some of her relationships?
Restored Edwards protestantism reflecting her own religious preferences and win support of politically power classes In London but might damage relations with other Catholic countries
How did Elizabeth deal with Foreign Policy with France when she acceeded?
peace negotiations with France. accepted loss of France despite Public opinion disagreed
How did Elizabeth use her gender?
Manipulated- knew how men thought Men underestimated her which she took advantage of- out-witting, play by their misjudgement to get them to do what she wants/ use it as an excuse Controlled nobles being flirty and feisty- generating the romanticised damsel in destress
What tactics did Elizabeth use to maintain control with her government in court?
Participated in discussions- making accurate notes in small groups (to prevent confrontation) Promoted division among council and to compete for reward- to prevent uprising. Plus opposing views and advice meant more to chose from in decision making