Essex Rebellion Flashcards
What were the main problems facing Elizabeth at the end of her reign?
The main problems included:
* Crisis in government
* Damage from war, plague, and poverty
* Breakdown of the patronage system
* Personal tragedies of losing trusted councillors
* Loss of popularity and criticism for long reign
* Perception of needing reform
Who were some of the key councillors that died before Elizabeth’s reign ended?
Key councillors included:
* Dudley (1588)
* Walsingham (1590)
* Hatton (1591)
* William Cecil (1598)
How did Elizabeth’s personal circumstances affect her rule towards the end of her reign?
Elizabeth became increasingly angry, depressed, and bad tempered, which led to loss of popularity and criticism.
What was a significant sign of Elizabeth losing her grip on power?
A significant sign was the rebellion organized by the Earl of Essex in 1601.
Who was the Earl of Essex?
The Earl of Essex, born Robert Devereux, was an important court figure who became one of Elizabeth’s favourite courtiers.
What notable event occurred in the Earl of Essex’s life in 1584?
He went to court for the first time and became a favourite due to his youth and skills.
What actions did the Earl of Essex take against Elizabeth’s wishes?
He joined Francis Drake’s expedition to Portugal in 1589 and secretly married Walsingham’s daughter in 1590.
What happened in 1596 that enhanced Essex’s reputation?
He led a successful attack on the Spanish port of Cadiz, returning as a national hero.
What political situation did Elizabeth face by 1600?
Her most trusted advisors had died, leaving younger, ambitious men who were desperate for power.
What military issue was Elizabeth dealing with by the end of her reign?
Elizabeth had been at war with Spain for several years, spending large sums to support rebels in the Netherlands.
What economic problems did Elizabeth’s government face?
There were four terrible harvests between 1594 and 1597, leading to widespread hunger, increased poverty, and crime.
What conflict arose between the Earl of Essex and Elizabeth over political power?
Essex wanted to become Elizabeth’s main advisor but was overlooked in favor of Robert Cecil.
What was the trigger event for Essex’s rebellion?
A performance of Shakespeare’s play Richard II, featuring a scene of a king being overthrown, angered Elizabeth.
What occurred on 8 February 1601 during Essex’s rebellion?
Essex refused to appear before the Privy Council, arrested Counsellors, marched into London, but lacked popular support.
What ultimatum did the Privy Council offer to Essex’s supporters?
They promised that supporters who left Essex would be pardoned and not punished.
How did Essex’s rebellion conclude?
Essex was captured, put on trial, found guilty of treason, and executed on 25 February 1601.
Fill in the blank: Elizabeth’s reign was marked by _______ due to war, plague, and repeated harvest failures.
[crisis]
