History - Topic 2 Elizabethan England Flashcards
Who was Queen Elizabeth I?
Queen of England from 1558 to 1603, known for her strong leadership, religious reforms, and promotion of the arts.
Who was Sir Francis Walshigham?
Elizabeth I’s spymaster, responsible for uncovering Catholic plots and ensuring her safety.
Who was Willian Cecil?
Elizabeth’s chief advisor , key in shaping her policies, particularly on religion and foreign affairs.
Who was Sir Francis Drake?
A privateer and explorer who circumnavigated the globe and played a key role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?
Catholic queen of Scotland and Elizabeth’s cousin, executed for plotting to overthrow Elizabeth.
Who was Sir Walter Raleigh?
An explorer and courtier who sponsored attempts to colonize America, including the Roanoke Colony.
Who was William Shakespeare?
The renowned playwright whose works flourished during Elizabeth’s reign.
What was the Privy council?
A small group of Elizabeth’s closest advisors who helped her make decisions and enforce laws.
What was the Act of Supremacy?
Reestablished Elizabeth as the head of the Church of England, removing papal authority.
What were the purpose of the poor laws in 1601?
Designed to address poverty by distinguishing between the “deserving” poor and the idle poor, and providing them with support or work.
Describe Elizabeths Relationship with Parliment?
Although Parliament had some influence, Elizabeth controlled most major decisions and often limited their power.
Who were the Puritans?
Strict Protestants who wanted to purify the Church of England of any Catholic influences.
What was the Elizabethan Religious Srttlement of 1559?
A compromise between Catholics and Protestants designed to maintain religious stability in England.
What was rhe Northern Rebellion in 1569?
A Catholic uprising against Elizabeth, aimed at replacing her with Mary, Queen of Scots.
What was the Ridolfi Plot in 1571?
A Catholic plot involving Spain to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne.
What was the Throckmorton Plot in 1583?
A Catholic conspiracy involving foreign powers to assassinate Elizabeth.
What was the Babington Plot in 1586?
A Catholic plot to assassinate Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots, which led to Mary’s execution.
Why was Mary, Queen of Scots, executed in 1587?
For her involvement in the Babington Plot and being seen as a threat to Elizabeth’s throne.
How did Elizabeth treat Catholics?
Initially tolerant, but after multiple plots against her, she imposed strict laws against Catholics.
Describe the impact of the wool trade
England’s main export, which fueled economic growth but also led to the enclosure of land, contributing to rural poverty.
What was the significance of the 1601 Poor laws?
It attempted to provide support for the needy, marking an early form of social welfare.
What was life like for the poor in Elizabethan England?
Many faced rising prices and unemployment, relying on charity and the Poor Laws for support.
What were vagabonds?
Homeless, often unemployed people who were seen as a threat to social order and could be punished harshly under vagrancy laws.
How did Elizabethans view the Great Chain of Bieng?
A belief that everyone had a set place in the hierarchy of society, from the monarch down to commoners.
What role did apprenticeships play?
Provided young people with training in trades, though access was limited to those from wealthier backgrounds.
Discribe the role of the theatre in Elizabethan society
Theatres were popular and reflected social and political themes, with Shakespeare’s plays being especially influential.
What was the Elizabethan attitude towards witchcraft?
Witchcraft was feared, leading to trials and executions, often of marginalized women.
Who were privateers?
Licensed pirates like Sir Francis Drake, who attacked Spanish ships and brought wealth to England.
What was the significance of the New World?
It offered opportunities for wealth and expansion, inspiring English voyages and competition with Spain.
What was the Roanoke Colony?
England’s first attempt at a permanent settlement in North America, which mysteriously disappeared, becoming known as the “Lost Colony.”
Who was John White?
The governor of the Roanoke Colony who found it abandoned upon his return from England.
What was the fate of the Roanoke Colony?
The settlers vanished, and their fate remains a mystery, with theories ranging from disease to integration with Native American tribes.
What was the purpose of the East India Company in 1600?
Established to trade with Asia, particularly India, marking the start of England’s overseas empire.
What role did John Hawkins play?
A naval commander and slave trader who contributed to England’s naval dominance and helped defeat the Spanish Armada.
Why did Philip II of Spain send the Spanish Armada?
To overthrow Elizabeth and restore Catholicism to England after years of conflict.
What happened during the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588?
England’s smaller, more maneuverable ships, aided by bad weather, defeated the larger Spanish fleet, preserving Elizabeth’s rule.
Describe the Elizabetham social hierarchy?
Society was rigidly structured with the monarch at the top, followed by the nobility, gentry, merchants, and laborers.
What was the role of nobility?
The nobility held significant land and power, often serving as advisors to the queen or commanding military forces.
Who were the gentry?
Wealthy landowners below the nobility who played important roles in local government and social events.
How did the middle class impact Elizabethan society?
The growing middle class, including merchants and tradespeople, contributed to economic growth and cultural change.
What was the role of women in Elizabethan society?
Women were expected to manage the household and were generally excluded from political power, though Elizabeth was an exception.
What role did marriage play in Elizabethan society?
Marriage was often arranged for social or financial gain, and women were expected to marry young.
How did Elizabethans view education?
Education was valued among the upper classes, with boys often studying Latin, rhetoric, and philosophy.
What was the impact of the printing press?
The printing press made books more accessible, spreading new ideas and increasing literacy.
What was the Spanish Armada?
A failed attempt by Spain to invade England in 1588, a key moment in Elizabeth’s reign.
What were rhe achievements of Elizabethan’s reign?
Stabilizing religion, defeating the Spanish Armada, promoting exploration, and fostering the arts.
What was the Golden Age of Elizabeth?
A term used to describe Elizabeth’s reign, marked by cultural flourishing, exploration, and national pride.
