Queen, Government and Religion 1558-1569 Flashcards
What proportion of the population lived in the countryside at the start of Elizabeth’s reign?
90%
Who was the Secretary of State at the start of Elizabeth’s reign?
William Cecil
How much debt was the Crown in when Elizabeth came to the throne?
£300,000
Did Elizabeth hold complete power over England?
No. She could not pass laws without parliament’s approval, or raise taxes without their agreement.
What is the name given to Elizabeth’s group of closest advisers?
The Privy Council
What religion was Elizabeth?
Protestant
What religion was most of England when Elizabeth came to power?
Catholic
What religion were most bishops and most members of the House of Lords at the start of Elizabeth’s reign?
Catholic
What were the key problems facing Elizabeth in 1558?
- Religion
- Illegitimacy
- Money
- Gender
- Marriage and an Heir
What were Elizabeth’s key character strengths?
- Charismatic
- Resilient
- Well educated
- Excellent understanding of politics
What alliance joined Scotland and France?
The Auld Alliance.
Why was the Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis a problem for Elizabeth?
There was pressure for Elizabeth to win back Calais from France, which they had lost under this treaty. To do this she would need a war, which would be very expensive.
Why were Spain and France a problem for Elizabeth?
Both were Catholic countries. They were previously at war with one another but this had ended, which meant they had resources available to potentially have a war with England. Spain owned the Protestant Netherlands.
When did Elizabeth pass her religious settlement?
1559
What were the three parts of the religious settlement?
Act of Supremacy, Act of Uniformity, Royal Injunctions
Identify some features of Catholicism.
- The pope is the head of the Church
- Church services and the bible in Latin
- Highly decorated churches and priests in vestments
You may have others too!
Identify some features of Protestantism.
- No pope
- Personal relationship with God. Priests not needed as an intermediary
- Services and the bible in English
- Plain churches and priests in simple robes
What were the features of the Act of Supremacy?
Elizabeth became Supreme Governor of the Church of England. All clergy have to swear an oath of loyalty to her.
What were the key features of the Act of Uniformity?
Established the appearance of churches and how services would be held. Everyone had to attend church.
What were the Royal Injunctions?
Set of instructions to the clergy that reinforced the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity. Included instructions on how to worship and how services should be conducted.
How did Elizabeth enforce her religious settlement?
Through the Ecclesiastical High Commission. Visitations begin in 1559.
How many clergy lost their jobs following the first round of visitations?
400
What was the aim of Elizabeth’s religious settlement?
To be inclusive and accepted by as many of the country as possible. Eg there was space to interpret the Book of Common Prayer in a way that fitted with personal beliefs.
What proportion of the clergy took the oath of loyalty to Elizabeth? How many of these were bishops?
80%. Only one bishop. Rest had to be replaced.
How widely accepted was the religious settlement by ordinary people?
Widely accepted. Most peopled attended church services and accepted the settlement, even though they held onto their Catholic beliefs.
How did the Puritans challenge the religious settlement?
Crucifix Controversy and the Vestment Controversy
What was the Crucifix Controversy, and how did it end?
Puritans angry at having to display the crucifix in churches. Some bishops threatened to resign. She could not replace them, so she backed down.
What was the Vestment Controversy, and how did it end?
Puritans were angry about being forced to wear vestments. Elizabeth enforced this and 37 priests resigned.
When was the Treaty of Edinburgh signed?
1560
When did the pope ban Catholics from attending Church of England services?
1566
What proportion of the gentry were recusants?
1/3
What is a recusant?
Someone who refuses to attend church
What were the consequences of the 1562 religious war in France?
Elizabeth supported the Protestants, who lost. This angered Catholics.
When did religious war break out in France?
1562
Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?
Elizabeth’s Catholic, Scottish cousin
When did Mary Queen of Scots arrive in England?
1568
Why did Mary, Queen of Scots come to England?
Following a rebellion by Protestant lords in Scotland, and she abdicated the throne.
Why was Mary, Queen of Scots a threat to Elizabeth?
She had no problem with legitimacy and was seen as a good, viable alternative to Elizabeth as queen. Her arrival in England provided English Catholics with a figurehead for a rebellion.
