Elizabeth's Last 10 Years

Question 1

Harvest, famine and disease problem?

Answer 1

1. 1596 90% dearth and 1597 70% - 4 extrmely bad harvests
2. 96-97 death rates increased 21%
3. Crime increased - theft - bad harvests made people desperate
4. Dearth lead to an increase in food prices that wages could not meet - decline in living standards.
5. Gov also worried about increasing vagrancy and trouble caused by unemployed solders

Question 2

Harvest, famine and disease solutions?

Answer 2

1. Increased imports of grain to cities - gov also effective in suppressing any riots or rebellions on the matter
2. The poor laws 1598showed genuine concern for the suffering poor
3. JP’s given an increase in powers to deal with issues of food shortages and grain

Question 3

Financial problems?

Answer 3

1. Cost of war way beyond the normal revenue of the crown
2. Taxes were doubled to 135k
3. Crown lands worth 600k sold
4. Very unpopular monopoly system was used as patronage & corruption and bribery
5. Forced loans also imposed

Question 4

Financial problems solution?

Answer 4

1. Financing a war for 19 years is an outstanding achievement
2. James only had 350k of debt while spanish had virtual bankruptcy
3. No tax rebellions & expenditure sensibly reduced

Question 5

Faction and Earl of Essex issues?

Answer 5

1. Eliz’s biggest political mistake making Essex her favourite - did have talents but undermined liz. Quickly promoted to Privy Council and soon developed a faction
2. Challenged her authority by not accepting his limits to influence
3. Jealous of Cecil - demanded a military role and sought popularity. 1598 banished from court
4. 1601 Essex revolt greatly embarrassing for Elizabeth - humiliated him and he was politically and financially ruined after failed expedition in ireland

Question 6

Earl of Essex issue solved?

Answer 6

1. Revolt was easily crushed - executed for treason and Cecil ruled sensibly after

Question 7

Elizabeth’s personal decline issues?

Answer 7

1. She was 70 when she died - poor health hindered the effectiveness of her rule
2. Less popular in her later years - AGR Smith ‘decline in political mortality in her last years’

Question 8

Elizabeth’s last years successes?

Answer 8

1. Cult of Elizabeth did develop in these years - victory of armada, confidence in anglican church and decline of puritans and RC’s great achievement
2. She was always respected and obeyed - always had ultimate decisions in council