Elizabethan England exam questions. Flashcards
Write an account of the Spanish Armadas attempt to invade England.
The plan:
- In 1588, Phillip II of Spain launched his Armada which consisted of 151 ships, 700 sailors and 34,000 soldiers.
- They would sail to the Netherlands and collect more men before invading England.
- They would sail in a crescent formation that was thought to be unbreakable.
- Phillip was so confident that he filled the ships with weapons for land battles.
The English strike first:
- By 6th August, The Armada was anchored off the Dutch coast.
- They were delayed at which point Francis Drake decided to strike. On 7th August, eight fireshoips were sent into the Spanish fleet. Mass panic ensued and the Armada was plunged into chaos.
The battle:
- On 8th August, the battle began.
- The English fired constantly from 100m.
- The Spanish ships were badly damaged but none were sunk.
- The Duke of Medina tried to lead the ships home.
The storm:
- A great storm blew the Armada off course.
- Their food was rotten, water polluted and with no maps, many ships were wrecked.
- Of 151 ships, only 65 returned to Spain
Explain what was important about the issue of Elizabeth’s marriage.
- Creates an alliance: stronger in wars: would join forces.
- Tudor Dynasty wouldn’t die: stops Mary becoming Queen: stops a Catholic.
Explain what was important about Parliament during Elizabeth’s reign.
- Discuss taxes: relating to wars: would keep economy stable.
- Advises the Queen: so she can make rational decisions.
Write an account of the failure of the Earl of Essex’s rebellion.
Background:
- Essex had been a loyal subject throughout Elizabeth’s reign and was one of her favourites.
- He became a privy councillor in 1595 and was awarded the monopoly on sweet wine in England.
- During his time at court, Essex developed a rivalry with Robert Cecil.
Causes of the rebellion:
- Soon after his victory against the Spanish, Essex ha an argument with the Privy Council and was placed under house arrest.
- Later the Queen sent him to Ireland to deal with a rebellion. He didn’t defeat the rebels but agreed a truce with them.
- Essex rushed straight into the Queen’s chambers and caught her without a wig.
- He fell from Elizabeth’s favour.
The rebellion:
- In February 1601, Essex took four privy councillors hostage and marched them to his London house.
- Robert Cecil responded by calling him a traitor.
- Essex and his followers were arrested.
Explain what was important about Elizabethan theatre.
- The plays carried political messages: supported Elizabeth: topical issues: people could understand.
- It kept the lower class entertained and not thinking about rebellion: theatre would be cheap: distracts them from causing trouble.
Write an account of how poverty became widespread in Elizabethan England.
Attitudes of previous monarchs:
- Economic problems led to the collapse of the cloth trade and the loss of many jobs.
Changes in agriculture:
- Bad harvests between 1594 and 1598 led to food shortages and starvation in parts of England.
Population increase:
- During Elizabeth’s reign, England’s population went from 2.8 million to 4 million.
- A shortage of places to live gave power to landlords who increased rents.
Explain what was important about Elizabethan voyages of discovery.
It brought money in for the government: goes to future missions and other domestic needs: strengthened the Elizabethan economy.
It improved the ability of the sailors which ultimately helped the English defeat the Spanish Armada:
put them in good stead: improved tactics and weapons: better navigation
Explain what was important about the Elizabethan religious settlement.
It kept some Catholic’s loyal to Elizabeth: decreasing the chances of rebellion occurring: kept the Puritans happy.
It kept nearly all Protestants loyal to Elizabeth: decreases the chances of a rebellion.
Write an account of how Elizabeth dealt with plots and rebellions against her rule.
Spies:
- Elizabeth’s huge network of spies was able to identify threats and deal with troublemakers.
- Sir Francis Walsingham was also her spymaster.
Religious settlement:
- Elizabeth’s religious policy kept the majority happy.
- Religious differences were later tolerated.
Explain what was important about the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.
- The Catholics had no clear alternative monarch.
- The new heir was a Protestant.
Write an account of the Catholic plots against Elizabeth and how Elizabeth dealt with them.
The Northern rebellion, 1569:
- Inspired by Elizabeth’s refusal to allow the Duke of Norfolk to marry Mary Queen of Scots who was Catholic, two Northern novels led a rebellion against Elizabeth. The Earl of Westmorland and the duke of Northumberland took control of Durham Cathedral and marched south with 4600 men. However, the revels disbanded and Northumberland was executed and Westmorland escaped to France.
The Ridolfi plot 1571:
- This was led by Ridolfi. This plot would coincide with an invasion of Catholics from Holland and the murder of Queen Elizabeth. The plot was discovered.
The Throckmorton plot 1583:
- Led by Sir Francis Throckmorton and the plan was to assassinate Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots.
- There would be an uprising of foreign Catholics however Throckmorton was executed.
