Elizabethan England - Chapter 1 (queen, government and religion) Flashcards
List the social hierarchy of Elizabethan England (starting from important members of society to least important)
- Nobility
- Gentry
- Yeomen
- Tenant farmers
- Landless or labouring poor
- Vagrants/homeless
List the social hierachy OF TOWNS in Elizabethan England (starting from most to least important)
- Merchants
- Professionals (e.g. lawyers, teachers, doctors)
- Business owners
- Skilled craftsmen
- Unskilled workers and the unemployed
Who were yeomen?
Men who owned a small amount of land or an estate
Who were tenant farmers?
Farmers who rented land
What factor was the social hierarchy of Elizabethan England determined by?
It was determined by how much land you had and whether you owned or rented it
What factor was the hierarchy IN TOWNS based on?
wealth and occupation
in homes, the …. were the head of the household and the ….. and …… were expected to be obedient to him
- men
2. women and children
What were the 3 key features and 2 roles of a court (in an elizabethan government)
Key features
- court was a body of people who lived near the monarch
- mostly made up of members of the nobility
- Attending court requires the monarchs permission
Role
- to entertain and advise the monarch
- A public display of wealth and power
Who were the privy council and give 2 of their roles
The privy council were a group made up of leading courtiers and advisers (like William Cecil)
role:
1. To debate current issues and advise the monarch on government policy
2. Monitored JP’s
3. Made sure the monarchs final decisions were carried out
Give 2 key fetaures of parliament and 3 of their roles?
Key features
- Parliament was made up of HofL and HofC
- Could only be dismissed and called by the monarch
Roles:
- To grant extroardinary taxation (occasional, additional taxation to pay for unexpected expenses)
- Passed laws
- Offered advice to monarch
Who were lord lieutenants and give 2 of their roles?
They were members of the nobility, who were often on also on the privy council
Role
- In charge of raising and training the local military force
- helped maintain the monarchs power and Englands defences
Who were JP’s and give 2 of their roles?
JP’s were large landowners who kept law and order in their local areas
Roles:
- To ensure all social and economic policies were carried out
- Heard county cases every 3 months for serious crimes
What did Elizabeth have the right to do? (4 things)
- Declare war and make peace
- Call and dismiss parliament/laws
- Grant titles, land, money and jobs
What is patronage?
To provide someone with an important job/position
Who was Elizabeths most important privy councillor?
Sir William Cecil
What was the royal prerogative?
Areas/things that only the monarch had the right to decide upon (parliament couldnt disagree)
What topics did the queen NOT want parliament to discuss?
Foreign policy, marriage and the succession
Why was legitimacy a problem for Elizabeth?
People didnt think Elizabeth as legitimate as Henry claimed her not to be and barred her from succession to the throne. (but he later reversed this decision)
What were some advantages of Elizabeth being married and having children?
- Her potential husband could fulfil the role of military leader in war
- Having children would ensure succession to the throne
What were some disadvantages of Elizabeth being married?
- She would be seen as less important
2. The only man of suitable rank would be a foreign prince but he may put Englands needs second to his own country
Why did England need a strong monarch after Mary?
- England had allied with Spain in a war against France and lost. Morale was low
- Many people were in poverty and diseases were common
- Marys marriage to Philip was so unpopular that it led to a rebellion
- Mary burned almost 300 people for their religious beliefs
Describe some of Elizabeths strengths
- Elizabeth was highly intelligent
- She had an excellent grasp of politics
- She was confident and charismatic
Describe some of Elizabeths weaknesses
- She had a temper
2. She often took a long time to make up her mind
How could monarchs raise money?
W-taxes from trade
- special addition taxes, known as subsidies
- Forces loans (they didnt need to be repaid)