Elizabeth The Golden Age

Question 1

How did Elizabeth’s rule contribute to the golden age?

Answer 1

• Elizabeth brought religious stability and security to the country
• englands growing wealth and military success made Elizabeth’s subjects proud

Question 2

What scientific and technological advancements contributed to the golden age?

Answer 2

• scientific breakthroughs in navigation, astronomy and magnetism
• technology like improved printing presses allowed ideas to spread quickly

Question 3

What changes to education contributed to the golden age?

Answer 3

• it was seen as increasingly important
• wealthy boys and some girls received education, but not poor children

Question 4

What achievements in literature contributed to the golden age?

Answer 4

• many great plays were written during Elizabeth’s reign and are still performed today
• great poetry was written - like Shakespeare’s sonnets

Question 5

How did the construction of buildings change during the golden age?

Answer 5

• for the first time, buildings weren’t built with defence in mind
• many great stately homes were built during this time - Hardwick Hall

Question 6

How did exploration play a part in the golden age?

Answer 6

• Europeans discovered new lands and new peoples
• England became a major power in the world

Question 7

Why do some people oppose the idea that Elizabeth’s reign was a ‘golden age’

Answer 7

• blood sports like dog fighting and bear baiting remained popular
• torture and brutal execution were still used by the government
• a small minority lived in luxury while most remained poor
• life expectancy was low
• despite scientific breakthroughs, astrology, and alchemy were still very popular

Question 8

How did Elizabeth promote the idea of the golden age?

Answer 8

• it was encouraged by her and her government
• plays, festivals and small booklets promoted the idea
• the term Gloriana was used to describe the spreading of this message
• this helped Elizabeth secure her popularity and throne