Elizabeth's Last Years Flashcards
What difficulties did Elizabeth face within 1588?
New generation of MP’s in parliament who disliked her privileges. Many were unwilling to accept use of purveyance and monopolies.
What did MP’s do in 1588+ over the issues they did not like about Elizabeth’s leadership?
Asked for a remedy of purveyance, which William Cecil said was infringing on royal prerogative. Protested against monopolies which was eventually effective
What were MP’s like surrounding religion?
Most accepted her control over religion. Peter Wentworth however stirred difficulties by taking with MP’s outside parliament (illegal) Opposition over Recusants in 1593 and Seditious Secretaries
How was time against Elizabeth’s governments stability and seniors?
Many employed through nepotism- Robert Cecil was not as good so the stability was at risk. More nobles were inexperienced and senior governors were dying- so the remaining felt isolated.
How was Faction Rivalry and Patronage an issue for Elizabeth?
Faction rivalry became out of control so Elizabeth was undermined from struggling to control Parliament. Robert Cecil was unequal and caused issues with unbalanced patronage.
What were some methods Elizabeth used for cost cutting with her government?
Sold jobs to men. Patronage was expensive so Elizabeth gave out monopolies instead of crown lands.
What was happening to the quality of the government?
Quality declined into mediocrities. Oppositions Cecil aimed for short sessions- losing control in 1601
What are examples of a positive relationship between Elizabeth and her government?
Robert coordinated the succession Rivalry caused motivation for members to work efficiently. Harmonious- clashes usually had little long term significance
How did the Armada improve Elizabeths relationship with Parliament and government?
The armada caused Elizabeth to have positive relations with Parliament. 1589 saw a grant of 2 times the usual amount.
What was the limitation of any opposition?
Disorganised Not strong enough
How did the Armada disintegrate Elizabeths relationship with Parliament and government?
There were 4 parliaments after 1588. Elizabeth needed money but after the double subsidy, Parliament feared precedent and became less willing to grant supply (also due to the poor economy
How did Parliament have to be persuaded to give money?
Had to be convinced it was for foreign policy.
What started to happen to the government?
May have been losing control of the Commons. Started seizing initiative and putting forward new policies that examine legislations.
How much did the wars cost?
Cost grew. Total expenditure = 4.5 million (2 million for Ireland). 100,000 sent to fight
How did Elizabeth meet the cost of the war?
Half was met from Parliament grants and surplus saved. 1599-1600 E sold crown lands and considered some Jewellery. Reduced expenditure at court.
How did Elizabeth reduce expenditure at courts due to the costs of the war? What was the impact of this?
Patronage reduced. Kept positions vacant- avoiding paying salaries. Lack of patronage encouraged bribery and corruption- playing a role in the issue of monopolies.
How did the Wars impact Politics?
Caused debates over the handleship of war. Younger councillors wanted to be proactive in naval attacks. Decisions thus affected factions- worsened by Elizabeths lack of clarity.
What was the issue with Elizabeth’s policies over war?
No clarity of coherence in policy. Sometimes gave into pressures from Courtiers.
What was successful about Elizabeths economic policy?
Robert was better at Finance than William. Basic system in economy still worked. Elizabeth borrowed little- not dependent of foreign loans, paying off debts from Mary’s reign. Elizabeth promised to check monopolies.
How did the economic crisis impact Elizabeths leadership?
Couldn’t achieve some aims due to little money- e.g. struggling to afford the image she wanted to project.
How was the economic crisis self-fulfilled?
Tax rates declined, which they couldn’t afford Book of Rates was not revised and were 40 years out of date. Parliament subsidies declined Lost out on profits due to monopolies.
What was the significance of the Essex rebellion in relation to the economic crisis?
‘the visible tip of larger range of discontent’