Elizabethan Era

Question 0

Weaknesses of Elizabeth as a ruler:

Answer 0

• Didn’t produce an heir to the throne
• The youngest daughter of Henry VIII
• Didn’t tackle rise in crime
• Bad harvest and changes in farming
• Poverty increased during her reign

Question 1

Strengths of Elizabeth as a ruler:

Answer 1

• Uses power of persuasion effectively to appoint good advisors
• When she died England was economically and politically stable
• Well read, bilingual and intelligent
• Chose a middle way in religion which avoided confrontation
• A poor law in 1601 which offset worst effects of poverty

Question 2

Political problems Elizabeth faced in 1558

Answer 2

• Most people believed monarchs were chosen by god to rule the country
• Monarch is expected to pay for all normal costs of governing a country
• If she married an Englishman he may attempt to control her
• A Catholic husband may try to dissuade her choices

Question 3

Social and economic problems Elizabeth faced in 1558

Answer 3

• In early 1500s the cloth trade collapsed leaving 1000s of spinners unemployed
• Prices had been rising fast in 1550s and farmers faced higher rent
• Couldn’t afford a full time army
• £250000 debt left from Mary I’s reign
• Wages lost value and poverty grew in lower classes

Question 4

Religious problems Elizabeth faced in 1558

Answer 4

• People in the country all wanted different religions but she could only choose one
• If England became Protestant she may be at risk of attack from Catholic countries
• Many people thought religious differences were leading the country to civil war

Question 5

International problems Elizabeth faced in 1558

Answer 5

• England was weak compared to France and Spain
• France and England had been enemies for centuries
• Women were seen to be weak rulers
• If she made changes she must keep support from rich and powerful landowners