Elizabethan England: The Virgin Queen Flashcards
What was Elizabeth I role in politics and the government? 5
• Because of the divine right of kings, she made government policy with the advice of the Privy Council
• She could declare war and peace
• Call and dismiss parliament and agree or reject any laws they voted for
• Rule in some legal cases (e.g. if law was unclear or if people appealed for judgement)
• Grant titles, land, money and jobs
What is patronage?
To provide someone with an important job or position through a grant of land, a title or championing a cause. It is an effective way of gaining support and controlling people. The queen is the ultimate patron
Why was parliament important to the Queen?
-Extraordinary taxation could not be done without their agreement
-The Queen’s orders (proclamations) could not be enforced in law courts whereas Acts of Parliaments could so really important policies had to be approved by them.
What was the Royal Prerogative?
The areas only the monarch had the right to decide upon. It was Elizabeth’s right to stop Parliament discussing issues that she didn’t want to be discussed like foreign policy, marriage and succession.
Why was Elizabeth I legitimacy to the throne questioned?
• It was essential that a monarch was born with their reigning parents (King and Queen) still married (wedlock)
• Her legitimacy was questioned because of how her father Henry VIII had divorced his first wife before marrying Elizabeth’s mother Anne Boleyn
• the pope refused to recognise the marriage
problems facing Elizabeth (6)
• she was young (21) and lacked experience, needed support and advice of privy council
• to pass laws she need the support of the parliament
• Elizabeth’s government needed money
• people thought she was illegitimate
• Catholics refused to acknowledge Elizabeth’s right to rule England
• Elizabeth was unmarried which was unusual and unnatural
what was the crown’s debt
£300,000 in tudor times
the problems of marriage (6)
• if Elizabeth married a protestant this would anger Catholics
• if she married a catholic, this would upset protestant
• marriage could involve England in expensive wars, damaging royal finances and requiring taxation
• Because then she would be sidelined by her husband in the perspective of power
• She would have to marry a foreign prince so England would not be their priority
• She would have to be an obedient wife
What were Elizabeth’s strengths and characteristics like? (7)
• Elizabeth was highly intelligent and well educated: she spoke Latin, Greek, French and Italian
• She had an excellent grasp for politics: was able to use her powers of patronage effectively
• She was resilient: she had been held in the Tower of London after being suspected of treason against Mary so she could cope with the pressures of being queen
• Elizabeth was confident, charismatic and persuasive
• Her fiery temper caused some fear among the government
• She took a long time to make a decision
• She was pragmatic: Her acceptance of both Catholics and Protestants allowed England to live in peace whereas extreme positions of Edward VI and Mary I had harmed English culture and society
