Introduction to Elizabeth Flashcards
Legitimate:
When something follows laws or rules.
Monarch:
A sovereign head of state, especially a king, queen, or emperor.
Propaganda:
- Information, especially of a one-sided or - Misleading nature, is used to promote a - political cause or point of view.
Catholic Church:
The original church in Christianity was under the authority of the Pope.
Protestant:
A person who practices Christianity but doesn’t follow the Pope or the same rules as Catholics.
Problem 1: Legitimacy
To inherit the throne, the monarch needed to be legitimate, which meant being born whilst the reigning king and queen were married (in wedlock). No child could inherit unless they were born in wedlock. Elizabeth I’s legitimacy was in doubt because of how her father, Henry VIII, had divorced his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, to marry Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn. Henry married Anne on 25 January 1533; Elizabeth was born on 7 September.
- Campaign for your mother to be remembered positively.
- Use propaganda portraits to create the image of a queen who is strong, powerful and rich.
Problem 2: Gender
A queen who ruled in her own right was something very new and it seemed unnatural to 16th century society for a woman to rule. The Christian religion taught that women should be under the authority of men. Furthermore, monarchs were still expected to lead their armies into battle. Women were not considered to be physically, mentally or emotionally capable of governing, and even the home was supposed to be under the authority of the husband or father. It was unusual for women to be in a position of power.
- Acknowledge that women are weak but make it clear that you are an extraordinary woman.
- Ensure that you are as educated as the most educated man
Problem 3: Religion
In 1500 everyone in England was Catholic. Then Henry VIII changed England to a Protestant country. His son Edward VI continued this. Many Catholics who held onto their beliefs suffered. Mary I, however, turned England back into a Catholic country and burned hundreds of Protestants for refusing to change religion. These different religions are tearing your country apart.
- Set up a new religion, the Church of England, that has some Protestant and some Catholic features.
Problem 4: Marriage
Your closest adviser, Lord Burghley wants you to get married. He has reminded you that you will need an heir to your throne. He thinks a powerful man will help you run the country. Lots of men are trying to persuade you to marry them.
- Decide that you will never get married.
Problem 5: Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots is your cousin. She is a Catholic and has connections with the powerful rulers of Spain and France. In 1586 your chief spy Sir Francis Walsingham presents you with evidence that Mary is involved in a plot to assassinate (murder) you. Mary is found guilty of treason against you.
- Execute Mary on a charge of treason.
Problem 6: Philip II
Philip II, the King of Spain, is becoming increasingly angry with you. He disagrees with your religious policies, believes you are supporting pirates in their attacks on Spanish ships, and is furious that you have sent soldiers and money to Dutch rebels fighting against Philip. He is also not happy about the way Mary Queen of Scots has been treated. Your advisers are worried that he will attack England.
- Send ambassadors to talk to Philip to try and smooth things over.
