Problems That Elizabeth Faced Flashcards
What legitimacy issues did Elizabeth face in 1558?
Some questioned her legitimacy due to her father’s divorce and remarriage, which the Pope did not recognize.
Elizabeth’s mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed, and Henry VIII initially excluded Elizabeth from the line of succession.
Why did people think Elizabeth was an illegitimate queen?
Henry VIII’s divorce from Catherine of Aragon was not recognized by the Pope, leading many to view Elizabeth as illegitimate.
This was compounded by Henry’s exclusion of her from the line of succession after Anne Boleyn’s execution.
What were the expectations regarding Elizabeth’s marriage and succession?
People expected her to marry quickly and have children to provide a clear line of succession.
What dilemma did Elizabeth face regarding marriage?
She had to choose between marrying an English nobleman or a foreign prince, each with potential political ramifications.
Marrying a foreigner could alienate Protestant subjects, while marrying a noble could create jealousy among other nobles.
What decision did Elizabeth ultimately make regarding marriage?
She decided to remain unmarried and loyal to her country, not having children. She branded herself as the ‘Virgin Queen’
This decision frustrated many in her government who sought a clear line of succession.
What societal beliefs about gender affected Elizabeth’s reign?
Women were seen as too weak to rule and were expected to be obedient and domestic.
Elizabeth had to prove her capability as a ruler over time to win over her critics.
What was the religious context in England during Elizabeth’s reign?
England was divided between Catholics and Protestants due to previous religious changes under Henry VIII and Mary I.
Mary I’s reign saw the execution of Protestant martyrs, leading to deep-seated tensions.
What were the concerns regarding Elizabeth’s handling of religious divisions?
Elizabeth had to balance her Protestant beliefs with the Catholic majority in England and the Catholic alliances in Europe.
Failure to manage these divisions could lead to rebellions and loss of support from Catholic subjects.
Who did Elizabeth appoint as her Secretary of State?
William Cecil was appointed as her Secretary of State.
He became the monarch’s principal adviser and played a significant role in her government.
What strategy did Elizabeth use in selecting her Privy Councillors?
She aimed for a loyal team, cautiously balancing experienced councillors from Mary’s reign with new appointments from her trusted allies.
Elizabeth kept about 10 councillors who had served under Mary to maintain support.
What were the consequences of Elizabeth’s cautious approach to governance?
Her cautious and tactful approach helped her avoid offending powerful men while decisively establishing her government.
She acted quickly, appointing about 20 councillors within the first three months of her reign.
What financial weaknesses did Elizabeth inherit upon becoming queen?
A debt of £300,000 and the need to ask Parliament for new taxation
Elizabeth’s financial situation was compounded by the costs of the war with France.
How did Elizabeth strengthen royal finances at the beginning of her reign?
Severely cut back government spending and monitored household costs
Officials were ordered to balance accounts and ensure all debts were collected.
What was the financial outcome of selling Crown lands during Elizabeth’s reign?
Brought in £600,000 over the next 20 years
This approach required time to be effective.
What social issues could lead to a monarch’s unpopularity and potential rebellion?
Poverty, unemployment, and high prices
These issues could arise from poor harvests or wars.
What factors beyond Elizabeth’s control could affect people’s prosperity?
Quality of harvests and epidemics
Bad weather also impacted food supply, leading to social unrest.
What threat did Scotland pose to Elizabeth’s reign?
A potential joint attack from Scotland and France
Mary, Queen of Scots, was a Catholic threat to Elizabeth.
What did King Philip II of Spain want to achieve with Elizabeth?
To marry Elizabeth and maintain Catholic authority in England
Spain was a powerful Catholic nation opposing the spread of Protestantism.
Why did France have a direct interest in the English crown?
Mary, Queen of Scots, was married to the eldest son of the French king
Many Catholics believed Mary should be the Queen of England.
What were Elizabeth’s two options regarding the war with France?
Continue the war or make peace
Continuing the war could restore pride, while making peace could make her appear weak.
What decision did Elizabeth make regarding France?
Signed the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis, making peace with France in January 1559
This resulted in the permanent loss of Calais.
How much did Elizabeth spend on military arms and munitions at the start of her reign?
£100,000
This expenditure required taking out massive loans despite her existing debt.
True or False: Elizabeth believed invasion was not a significant problem in 1558.
False
She saw invasion as the greatest problem at the time.
What were people worried about if Elizabeth didn’t marry?
The fear was that without a clear heir, there could be political instability and civil war
