History - Topic 2 Elizabethan England

Question 1

Who was Queen Elizabeth I?

Answer 1

Queen of England from 1558 to 1603, known for her strong leadership, religious reforms, and promotion of the arts.

Question 2

Who was Sir Francis Walshigham?

Answer 2

Elizabeth I’s spymaster, responsible for uncovering Catholic plots and ensuring her safety.

Question 3

Who was Willian Cecil?

Answer 3

Elizabeth’s chief advisor , key in shaping her policies, particularly on religion and foreign affairs.

Question 4

Who was Sir Francis Drake?

Answer 4

A privateer and explorer who circumnavigated the globe and played a key role in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.

Question 5

Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?

Answer 5

Catholic queen of Scotland and Elizabeth’s cousin, executed for plotting to overthrow Elizabeth.

Question 6

Who was Sir Walter Raleigh?

Answer 6

An explorer and courtier who sponsored attempts to colonize America, including the Roanoke Colony.

Question 7

Who was William Shakespeare?

Answer 7

The renowned playwright whose works flourished during Elizabeth’s reign.

Question 8

What was the Privy council?

Answer 8

A small group of Elizabeth’s closest advisors who helped her make decisions and enforce laws.

Question 9

What was the Act of Supremacy?

Answer 9

Reestablished Elizabeth as the head of the Church of England, removing papal authority.

Question 10

What were the purpose of the poor laws in 1601?

Answer 10

Designed to address poverty by distinguishing between the “deserving” poor and the idle poor, and providing them with support or work.

Question 11

Describe Elizabeths Relationship with Parliment?

Answer 11

Although Parliament had some influence, Elizabeth controlled most major decisions and often limited their power.

Question 12

Who were the Puritans?

Answer 12

Strict Protestants who wanted to purify the Church of England of any Catholic influences.

Question 13

What was the Elizabethan Religious Srttlement of 1559?

Answer 13

A compromise between Catholics and Protestants designed to maintain religious stability in England.

Question 14

What was rhe Northern Rebellion in 1569?

Answer 14

A Catholic uprising against Elizabeth, aimed at replacing her with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Question 15

What was the Ridolfi Plot in 1571?

Answer 15

A Catholic plot involving Spain to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne.

Question 16

What was the Throckmorton Plot in 1583?

Answer 16

A Catholic conspiracy involving foreign powers to assassinate Elizabeth.

Question 17

What was the Babington Plot in 1586?

Answer 17

A Catholic plot to assassinate Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots, which led to Mary’s execution.

Question 18

Why was Mary, Queen of Scots, executed in 1587?

Answer 18

For her involvement in the Babington Plot and being seen as a threat to Elizabeth’s throne.

Question 19

How did Elizabeth treat Catholics?

Answer 19

Initially tolerant, but after multiple plots against her, she imposed strict laws against Catholics.

Question 20

Describe the impact of the wool trade

Answer 20

England’s main export, which fueled economic growth but also led to the enclosure of land, contributing to rural poverty.

Question 21

What was the significance of the 1601 Poor laws?

Answer 21

It attempted to provide support for the needy, marking an early form of social welfare.

Question 22

What was life like for the poor in Elizabethan England?

Answer 22

Many faced rising prices and unemployment, relying on charity and the Poor Laws for support.

Question 23

What were vagabonds?

Answer 23

Homeless, often unemployed people who were seen as a threat to social order and could be punished harshly under vagrancy laws.

Question 24

How did Elizabethans view the Great Chain of Bieng?

Answer 24

A belief that everyone had a set place in the hierarchy of society, from the monarch down to commoners.

Question 25

What role did apprenticeships play?

Answer 25

Provided young people with training in trades, though access was limited to those from wealthier backgrounds.

Question 26

Discribe the role of the theatre in Elizabethan society

Answer 26

Theatres were popular and reflected social and political themes, with Shakespeare’s plays being especially influential.

Question 27

What was the Elizabethan attitude towards witchcraft?

Answer 27

Witchcraft was feared, leading to trials and executions, often of marginalized women.

Question 28

Who were privateers?

Answer 28

Licensed pirates like Sir Francis Drake, who attacked Spanish ships and brought wealth to England.

Question 29

What was the significance of the New World?

Answer 29

It offered opportunities for wealth and expansion, inspiring English voyages and competition with Spain.

Question 30

What was the Roanoke Colony?

Answer 30

England’s first attempt at a permanent settlement in North America, which mysteriously disappeared, becoming known as the "Lost Colony."

Question 31

Who was John White?

Answer 31

The governor of the Roanoke Colony who found it abandoned upon his return from England.

Question 32

What was the fate of the Roanoke Colony?

Answer 32

The settlers vanished, and their fate remains a mystery, with theories ranging from disease to integration with Native American tribes.

Question 33

What was the purpose of the East India Company in 1600?

Answer 33

Established to trade with Asia, particularly India, marking the start of England’s overseas empire.

Question 34

What role did John Hawkins play?

Answer 34

A naval commander and slave trader who contributed to England’s naval dominance and helped defeat the Spanish Armada.

Question 35

Why did Philip II of Spain send the Spanish Armada?

Answer 35

To overthrow Elizabeth and restore Catholicism to England after years of conflict.

Question 36

What happened during the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588?

Answer 36

England’s smaller, more maneuverable ships, aided by bad weather, defeated the larger Spanish fleet, preserving Elizabeth’s rule.

Question 37

Describe the Elizabetham social hierarchy?

Answer 37

Society was rigidly structured with the monarch at the top, followed by the nobility, gentry, merchants, and laborers.

Question 38

What was the role of nobility?

Answer 38

The nobility held significant land and power, often serving as advisors to the queen or commanding military forces.

Question 39

Who were the gentry?

Answer 39

Wealthy landowners below the nobility who played important roles in local government and social events.

Question 40

How did the middle class impact Elizabethan society?

Answer 40

The growing middle class, including merchants and tradespeople, contributed to economic growth and cultural change.

Question 41

What was the role of women in Elizabethan society?

Answer 41

Women were expected to manage the household and were generally excluded from political power, though Elizabeth was an exception.

Question 42

What role did marriage play in Elizabethan society?

Answer 42

Marriage was often arranged for social or financial gain, and women were expected to marry young.

Question 43

How did Elizabethans view education?

Answer 43

Education was valued among the upper classes, with boys often studying Latin, rhetoric, and philosophy.

Question 44

What was the impact of the printing press?

Answer 44

The printing press made books more accessible, spreading new ideas and increasing literacy.

Question 45

What was the Spanish Armada?

Answer 45

A failed attempt by Spain to invade England in 1588, a key moment in Elizabeth’s reign.

Question 46

What were rhe achievements of Elizabethan's reign?

Answer 46

Stabilizing religion, defeating the Spanish Armada, promoting exploration, and fostering the arts.

Question 47

What was the Golden Age of Elizabeth?

Answer 47

A term used to describe Elizabeth’s reign, marked by cultural flourishing, exploration, and national pride.