Elizabethan England Flashcards
1
Q
Who were the court?
A
Noblemen who advised the monarch
2
Q
Who were the Privy Council?
A
Members of the nobility who helped govern, they monitored Parliament, JPs and oversaw law and order
3
Q
What percentage of people lived in the countryside?
A
90%
4
Q
What percentage of people lived in the city?
A
10%
5
Q
Why was Elizabeth’s legitimacy in doubt?
A
Henry VIII potentially unlawful divorce with Catherine of Aragon - Catholics didn’t see Elizabeth to be legitimate
6
Q
Why didn’t she want to marry?
A
If she married a Protestant, it would anger Catholics and vice versa (she had already turned down the French Duke of Alencon and the King of Sweden)
7
Q
How much debt did the crown have when Elizabeth came into power?
A
£300,000
8
Q
Why were finances poor when Elizabeth was crowned?
A
Finances were poor due to various bad harvests, resulting in disease and poverty
9
Q
What was the Auld Alliance?
A
An alliance between France and Scotland
10
Q
Under what treaty did England lose Calais to France under Mary I?
A
Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis
11
Q
Why was Calais useful for England?
A
Calais was a precious military base for England and a good trading post
12
Q
Why was Spain a threat?
A
They were rich and powerful Catholic country, that could easily make alliances with France and Scotland against England
13
Q
From when did the Reformation divide the Christian Church between Catholics and Protestants?
A
1517
14
Q
Did Protestants believe in the Pope as the head of the Church?
A
No, only Catholics
15
Q
What language were Catholic Church services always in?
A
Latin
16
Q
Do priests wear special vestments in Catholicism?
A
Yes, they’re the special connection between the people and God
17
Q
When was Elizabeth’s Religious Settlement?
A
1519
18
Q
What was the Act of Supremacy?
A
The Act in the Religious Settlement that:
Established Elizabeth as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, clergy/royal officials swore an oath to her to ensure loyalty and accountability
19
Q
What was the Act of Uniformity?
A
The Act in the Religious Settlement that:
Established the appearance of all churches and structure of services
20
Q
What was the Book of Common Prayer?
A
Included in the Act of Uniformity - set form of church services to be followed by clergy
21
Q
How much were people fined if they had a church absence?
A
1 shilling per absence
22
Q
What were the Royal Injunctions?
A
A set of instructions to the clergy enforcing the two others Acts, it described things like how to worship God and how services should be conducted
23
Q
Why was the Book of Common Prayer successful?
A
Ambiguous wording appealed to many Protestants and Catholics
24
Q
How many clergy took the oath to show their loyalty after the Religious Settlement?
A
8,000
25
What was one negative impact of the Religious Settlement?
Violent enthusiasm - some people began destroying church ornaments and statues, against Elizabeth's wishes
26
What are Puritans?
radical Protestants wanting to purify the religion by erasing anything not in the Bible - they believed in simplistic worship and most were anti-Catholic
27
What was the Crucifix Controversy?
Puritans believed that crucifixes represented idols, but Elizabeth liked them and wanted them in every church
Puritan bishops threatened to resign so Elizabeth had to back down - there weren’t enough Protestant clergymen as replacements
28
Why didn't Puritans like vestments for priests?
Puritans didn’t believe in special vestments for priests as they were not superior to ordinary people, which contrasted Catholic views
29
What did Matthew Parker do in 1566?
Matthew Parker (Archbishop of Canterbury) issued guidelines in his ‘Book of Advertisements’ based on Elizabeth’s laws, and he held a special exhibition to show priests how to dress - those who didn’t attend (37) lost their posts
30
How many nobility and gentry were recusants?
Up to 1/3
31
Why did noble Catholic families dislike Elizabeth?
They lost a lot of their influence under Elizabeth's Protestant government
It was mostly Protestants, e.g. William Cecil, who had the higher ranks
32
What was the Counter Reformation?
The Catholic Church’s attempt to reverse the Protestant Reformation in Europe, meaning Protestants in Europe were charged with heresy
33
What did the Pope do in 1566?
Pope instructed English Catholics not to attend Church of England services
34
Who did Elizabeth support in the 1562 French religious war?
Protestants - irritated Philip II with Protestant support
35
What Treaty was signed in 1564? What did it say?
Treaty of Troyes, confirms that Calais belongs to France
36
When did the Pope excommunicate Elizabeth?
1570
37
Why did the Dutch and Spanish begin conflict in the 1550s?
During the 1550s, the Dutch became agitated by Spain’s interference with Dutch affairs
38
How did the Spanish Inquisition encourage the Dutch Revolt?
The aim of the Inquisition was to convert everyone to Roman Catholicism to combat heresy
United Protestants and Catholics against Spain - leading to Dutch Revolt in 1566
39
Why did Elizabeth not want the Protestants Dutch rebels in England?
She didn't want to become a Protestant figurehead
40
How many men did Philip send the Duke of Alba to the Netherlands with in 1567?
10,000
41
When was the Dutch Revolt defeated by?
1568
42
Why was the Duke of Alba's army of 10,000 in the Netherlands worrying to England?
They were a large army in striking distance of England
There was already minor conflict between Elizabeth and Philip
43
What did Alba introduce in the Netherlands to enforce Catholicism?
The Council of Troubles (Council of Blood)
Punished heretics and rebels harshly
44
What happened with 1586 and the Genoese loan?
What were the consequences?
England seizes Genoese loan (from Italy to Spanish Netherlands) from ships sheltered in English ports
Elizabeth angered Philip as she argued it was Italy's loan, not Spain's, validated her taking it
45
Who was Mary Queen of Scots in relation to Elizabeth?
Elizabeth I’s second cousin - a Catholic with legitimate claim to the throne
46
Why was Mary forced to flee to England?
Scots assumed that Mary has murdered Henry Stuart, Protestant Scottish Lords rebelled against her, imprisoned her, and forced her to abdicate
Mary escapes and raises an army, but they’re defeated near Glasgow
Mary feels obliged to flee to England
47
What was the 1560 Treaty of Edinburgh?
Scottish Protestant Lords rebel because they don’t like Mary of Guise’s French Catholic influence, Elizabeth secretly sent money and troops to help the Lords.
The treaty said that Mary QS would give up her claim to the English throne - but Mary never approved of the treaty.
48
What was the Casket Letters Affair?
Scottish Lords brought love letters written by Mary to Earl of Bothwell, showing evidence of them plotting the murder of Darnley
Mary said that she couldn’t be tried as she was an anointed monarch, and would not offer a plea unless Elizabeth gave her a verdict of innocence
No conclusion reached - Mary remained captive in England
49
What were the causes of the Revolt of the Northern Earls in 1569-70?
- Earls + their followers wanted a Catholic England
- Catholic Earls had lost a lot of influence in court under Elizabeth
- Mary QS could replace Elizabeth, resolve Earls’ issues
50
What was the plan for the Revolt of the Northern Earls?
-Mary QS would marry Duke of Norfolk, remove Elizabeth, become queen
-Spain were to provide troops
-Was to be led by influential Catholic nobles
51
Did Spain ever arrive to help in the Revolt of the Northern Earls?
No, rebels capture Hartlepool however Spain’s awaited help never arrives
52
What were the consequences of the Revolt of the Northern Earls? (3)
Mary QS could not be trusted and remained imprisoned
1570 - Papal Bull issued, the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth and ordered loyal Catholics to depose her
Loyalty of English Catholics in doubt - Elizabeth strengthened control over the North
53
What was the Papal Bull? When was it issued?
1570 - Papal Bull issued, the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth and ordered loyal Catholics to depose her
54
When was the Ridolfi Plot?
1571
55
What was the plan for the Ridolfi Plot?
Ridolfi plots to murder Elizabeth, start a Spanish invasion and crown Mary QS
56
Why did Ridolfi go to the Netherlands?
He goes to the Netherlands and gains Philip II and Duke of Alba’s approval, and brings them a letter from the Duke of Norfolk where he declares himself as Catholics and pledges to lead the rebellion with Spain’s support
57
Who uncovers the plot?
Why was the Duke of Norfolk executed?
Sir William Cecil discovers the plot later that year
Norfolk’s high treason
58
When was the Throckmorton Plot?
What was the plan?
1583
French Duke of Guise (Mary QS’ cousin) to invade England, overthrow Elizabeth and free Mary QS
Philip II would pay for it - Pope also approved
Francis Throckmorton would be Mary QS’ messenger
59
Why did the Throckmorton Plot fail?
Sir Walsingham (Sec. of State) discovers the plot
Spies find papers in Throckmorton’s home + a list of Catholic sympathisers
60
What did the Throckmorton Plot cause religiously? (Hint: Catholicism)
Catholics fled in fear of suspicion from English government
List of Catholic sympathisers revealed that there were enemies within
61
How many Catholics were imprisoned or on house arrest after the Throckmorton Plot?
Up to 11,000 were imprisoned or on house arrest
62
When was the Babington Plot?
What was the plan?
1586
Duke of Guise would invade with 60,000 men, put Mary QS on the throne
Supported by Philip II and the Pope - much more hostile relationship between Spain and England at this point
Anthony Babington would be the messenger
63
Why did the Babington Plot fail?
Walsingham intercepts Babington’s letters to Mary QS, shows her involvement in the plots
64
Why was Mary Queen of Scots executed after the Babington Plot?
Her direct involvement - evidence of letters between her and Babington
65
What were Walsingham's Spies?
A network of spies and informers to uncover plots against Elizabeth:
Walsingham had a network of spies + informants in every town, and even some abroad around Western Europe and Northern Africa
66
How did Elizabeth help Dutch Protestants resist Spain?
- Financial aid
- 6,000 volunteers led by John Casimir
67
Why was John Casimir's voluntary army significant?
A mercenary leading a voluntary army meant that Elizabeth was not directly sending English armies to fight with Spain
68
Why did John Casimir's voluntary army backfire?
Casimir began destroying Dutch Catholic Churches, leading Dutch Catholics to side with Spain
69
What was the Spanish Fury?
Why did it happen?
Spain can no longer afford war in the Netherlands - so Spanish troops go unpaid
This caused the Spanish Fury where Spanish troops looted Antwerp
70
What was the Pacification of Ghent? When was it?
After the looting, all 17 Dutch Provinces (Catholic + Protestant) joined an alliance against the Spanish, in a document called the Pacification of Ghent (Nov. 1576), which called for Spanish troops to be expelled from the Netherlands
Philip II sent his brother, Don Juan to the Netherlands in 1577 and he agreed to these terms (did not last!)
71
Which leaders die by 1584?
Duke of Alencon
William of Orange (Dutch rebel leader)
72
What does the 1584 Treaty of Joinville do?
Treaty of Joinville makes France and Spain allies against Protestantism
'Join' - joins Catholic countries
73
Why was Spain a barrier to English trade?
Spanish control of the Netherlands closed off one of the main trade routes used by the English - reduced the incomes and profits of English merchants
Spain controlled the New World denied the English profit-making opportunities as all trade there had to be licensed by the Spanish government
74
How many pounds worth of Spanish silver did Drake capture in his 1572 raid?
£40,000
75
How much more money did Drake's circumnavigation result in?
a further £400,000 of silver and gold
76
How did a loss of silver in 1580 encourage the Spanish fury?
It meant that Spanish soldiers went unpaid - causing Spanish fury
77
What was the significance of Elizabeth knighting Drake?
Demonstrated her hostility towards the Spanish and showed support in the Spanish’s losses due to English privateering
78
What does the campaign in 1580s Netherlands refer to?
It refers to the English forces’ military efforts, emphasising those led by the Earl of Leicester in the Spanish Netherlands
79
When was the Treaty of Nonsuch?
August 1585
80
What did the Treaty of Nonsuch state?
It was signed by Elizabeth I and Dutch rebels - gives official military support to Dutch rebels against the Spanish and pledged England’s protection
81
What did the 1584 Treaty of Joinville state?
It was signed by French Catholic League and the Spanish, secured Philip’s help against French Protestants (making them allies against Protestantism)
Meant that Spain could attack England without risking war with France
82
How were Dudley and Elizabeth's aims for the Netherlands different?
Dudley: wanted to end Spanish rule and make the Netherlands independent
Elizabeth: wanted to go back to how the Netherlands were governed in 1548, where it was under Spanish control but had certain freedoms
83
What was the Singeing of the King's Beard? (Drake's attack on Cadiz)
1587, Elizabeth ordered Drake to attack the Spanish navy
Drake attacked the major naval Spanish port of Cadiz between the 19-22 April, destroyed 30 ships and a lot of the fleet’s supplies
84
What were the consequences of the Singeing of the King's Beard?
Delayed the Armada by a year because Spain had to defend themselves against Drake - brought England more time to prepare for Spanish attack
85
What did the Pope promise to people taking part in the Armada?
Absolution (forgiveness of sins)
86
Why was Spain acquiring Portugal an advantage?
Philip II could access Portuguese ports + ships
87
How many ships and how many guns made up the Armada?
130 ships + 2,431 guns
88
What was the plan for the Spanish Invasion?
The Armada would sail along the English Channel towards the Netherlands
The ships would join forces with Spanish troops under the Duke of Parma and transport 27,000 troops to Kent
Spanish army would attack London, end Elizabeth’s reign and establish a new Catholic government
89
How many Spanish troops would be transported to Kent?
27,000
90
When was the Spanish Armada (invasion)?
1588
91
What are 3 reasons why the Armada failed?
Any 3 from:
- bad weather and gales
- superior English ships
- badly supplied Armada
- poor communication between Spanish and Dutch fleets
- English naval tactics
92
What were 3 consequences of the English victory? (Spanish Armada)
Any 3 from:
- English navy strengthened
- Protestantism in England strengthened
- Elizabeth's authority enhanced
- Stronger European alliances
- Spain's empire declined
93
Why were galleon ships superior?
- faster and easier to manoeuvre
- gun decks ran the length of the ship, easier to fire
94
How did Drake's attack on Cadiz result in badly supplied Armada?
Food was stored in barrels of inferior wood that was rotting - badly made because of Drake's attack
95
What happened in terms of communication between Parma and Sidonia? Why was this a disadvantage?
Communications between Medina Sidonia and Parma had to go by sea which took a week - when Medina S was ready in the Channel Parma was oblivious, his fleet wouldn’t be ready for another 2 days
96
Why were fireships an advantage for the English?
Scattered Spanish fleets using fireships
English were able to fire 6 times more cannonballs than the Spanish and from further away
97
What percentage of Elizabethan population could read/write?
15-20%
98
What did Humanists in Elizabethan England argue?
argued that education was valuable, not only a way of preparing people for a job
99
What was the impact of the growth of the printing press?
Books were less expensive, more opportunities to read
100
Why did the growth of trade encourage education?
Required people to read/write/do maths in order to understand transactions
101
What were grammar schools?
Grammar Schools (boys 10-14): privately run for middle/upper class (there were some scholarships offered), long days and terms, most schools focused on languages, philosophy, Bible studies
102
What were Dame schools?
Schools run by local educated women providing basic education focused on the home
103
What were Parish schools?
Parish Schools (up to 10): set up by the Church and run by clergy, taught basic literacy
104
What were Petty schools?
Petty Schools (up to 10): run privately from people’s homes - attended by middle classes
105
What kind of sports did the nobility do?
Hunting, fencing, bowls, swimming
106
106
What kind of sports did the lower classes do?
violent football, wrestling, swimming
106
Why did religion encourage theatre?
due to Protestantism and ‘Mystery Plays’ brought Bible stories to life - however this may have encouraged religious violence, so secular plays emerged
106
What was cockfighting?
Cockfighting: cockerels attacked each other using metal spurs and their beaks
106
What was baiting?
Baiting: animals fighting to the death, e.g. dogs attacking bears/bulls
107
Who sat and who stood in theatre plays?
Rich sat, poor stood
108
What were 3 reasons for growth of poverty in England?
Any 3 from:
- population growth
- inflation
- closure of the monasteries
- poor harvests
- changes in industry/agriculture
109
Why did inflation happen in the Elizabethan period?
Henry VIII’s Debasement of the Coinage: the amount of precious metals in coins had been decreased and people didn’t trust the value of money, merchants increased prices
110
What were general beliefs towards the poor?
- A fear that poverty led to disorder and rebellion
- Worries about the cost of dealing with the poor
- Changing economic circumstances and collapse of certain industries forced the authorities to be more tolerant and constructive towards poverty
111
What was the aim of the 1563 Statute of Artificiers?
To ensure that poor relief was collected, people refusing to pay poor rates could be imprisoned, officials failing to organise poor relief could be fined
112
What was the aim of the 1576 Poor Relief Act?
To distinguish between able bodied and impotent poor, and to be able to find work for the able bodied
JP’s provided able bodied with wool and raw materials to help them make things to sell, those who refused to work after being given help were sent to a special prison funded by poor rates (house of correction)
113
What was the aim of the 1572 Vagabonds Act?
To deter vagrancy
Vagrants were to be whipped and a hole drilled through each ear, they were also to be imprisoned if arrested a 2nd time for vagrancy - death penalty for a 3rd offence
Established national poor rate
JPs kept a register of the poor and towns/cities were given responsibility to find work for able bodied poor
114
What is a monopoly?
When one person/company controls supply of something
115
What was the Mercator Map?
A map developed in 1569 by Mercator, a more accurate map using longitude/latitude
116
What were astrolabes and quadrants?
instruments made to help navigation at sea
117
State 3 factors prompting exploration for Elizabethans.
Any 3 from:
- expanding trade
- triangular trade
- adventure
- new technology
118
Who was John Hawkins?
An English trader/explorer
He became involved in the slave trade and made great profit by buying good with money from selling slaves, inspired many
119
When did Drake circumnavigate the globe?
between 1577-1580
120
Why did Drake circumnavigate the globe?
- to attack Spain indirectly through colonies
- revenge for Spanish's attack
- he made huge profits
- Elizabeth encouraged him
121
What is one example of Drake establishing new trade opportunities?
He made a treaty with the King of Ternate to trade spices with English merchants
122
How did Drake increase England's status and power?
Drake claimed Nova Albion in California and created the basis of establishing colonies of English settlers in America
123
Who was Walter Raleigh?
A nobleman and courtier who became an explorer under Elizabeth
He did not lead the colonists but raised funds and persuaded people to settle in Virginia
124
State 3 reasons why Virginia was colonised.
Any 3 from:
- trade
- England being less dependent on Europe for goods
- friendly natives
- people were ready to invest in the exploration
- Colonising Virginia would provide a base to attack Spanish settlements and colonies
- Success in Virginia would make it easier to fund other ventures
125
When did the British set out for Roanoke?
Who were they led by?
1585
Richard Grenville
126
State 3 reasons why the colonisation of Virginia failed.
Any 3 from:
- lack of food
- poor leadership
- lack of skills and experience
- Native American attack
- Spanish war
127
How did the Englishmen end up with a lack of food when colonising Virginia?
First colonists left England too late to reach Virginia in time to plant crops - unable to provide for themselves, overly dependent on locals
1 of 5 ships let in seawater and ruined all of their food
128
Why did the Englishmen lack experience/skills when colonising Virginia?
Soldiers and craftsmen lacked farming skills, merchants and landowners weren’t capable of physical work
Not enough farmers!
129
Why did Native Americans attack the Englishmen in 1586?
Natives were angered by the English’s constant dependency on them and the diseases that they had brought, the chief, Wingina, led an attack supported by other tribes
