the early rule of elizabeth Flashcards
when did elizabeth come to power
1558
why was elizabeth popular
-reign was seen as a fresh start.
-had English parents, Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII = more likely to be free from overseas influences.
-single so she could have her choice of suitors rather than be controlled by a foreign husband.
-Protestant ;committed to re-establishing the Protestant Church in England (This would please some but not all)
what were some problems that elizabeth inherited
1-her sister, Mary, left debts of £250,000.
2-fear of female ruler meant England seen as weak country. France & Spain powerful nations, and ruled by kings.
3-declared illegitimate after mother’s execution. many & foreign powers, saw her as illegitimate daughter of unlawful marriage.
4-worries about who Elizabeth marries; foreign prince could take control.
5-cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, had claim to throne. =Catholic +married to heir to the French throne.(could invade + threaten Elizabeth’s position.)
6- Religious conflict- Henry VIII, broke away from Roman Catholic Church and started Church of England. when Elizabeth’s sister, Mary, came to the throne, she restored the Pope and made England Catholic again. Elizabeth had to settle situation and establish an agreement to keep people content.
what was the role of the privy council
-group of powerful noblemen appointed by Elizabeth- advised Elizabeth but didn’t control her
-small group of 19 men to minimise conflict between them, but also had to make sure no one member got too powerful or became disloyal
-council met every day and was most powerful part of the machinery of the government
-advised her on domestic and foreign issues e.g. how to handle challenges and threats, when to go to war, relations with foreign ambassadors, supervising the enforcement of Religious Settlement
who were elizabeth’s main advisors
1-William Cecil - Elizabeth appointed him as Secretary of State in 1558- most important minister, guided her wisely for 40 years. In 1571=received the title Lord Burghley
2-Robert Dudley - Earl of Leicester =trusted adviser until he died in 1588. He and Elizabeth were very close, rumours that he and Elizabeth were lovers
3-Sir Francis Walsingham -in charge of Elizabeth’s secret service and advised on foreign affairs. In 1586=uncovered the plot that led to Mary, Queen of Scots’ execution
what were the characteristics of elizabeth said to be like
1-well-educated, intelligent woman:highly literate, spoke foreign languages- able to deal directly with foreign ambassadors
2-‘Married to her people’-It is possible that Elizabeth chose to remain unmarried to exploit the relationship she developed with the nation
3-‘dominant monarch’-willing to assert her powers. She famously said, ‘I will have one mistress and no master’.
4-skilful propagandist- she understood need to create right image= partly responsible for creating a ‘Golden age’ and ‘Cult of Gloriana’.
5-loyal= To those who served her well she was extremely generous.
what were the advantages of elizabeth not announcing a marriage ?
-Staying single meant Elizabeth could keep sole control of English affairs, government and religion
-she had a range of suitors from different countries. Her refusal to choose between them allowed her to keep options open in foreign affairs, and also enabled her to play countries off against each other making her a strong negotiator
-remained focus of all power since there was no apparent successor
what were the disadvantages of elizabeth not announcing a marriage?
-Ongoing uncertainty over who would inherit the throne had the potential to lead to plots and attacks to overthrow e.g. MQS
-Privy Councillors and MPs were frustrated because the succession wasn’t settled and they felt this made the country vulnerable
who were possible suitors for elizabeth
1-Robert Dudley - Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, she spent time with him and people thought they were in love, but he was married. When his wife was found dead,rumours circulated- so she withdrew as reputation as queen was threatened.
2- King Philip of Spain - In 1560s, King Philip proposed. He was a Catholic who was married to Elizabeth’s sister. MPs were not in favour of this alliance for fear of religious unsettlement and foreign influence in government. Elizabeth rejected this offer.
3- Archduke Charles - In 1567 Elizabeth considered marrying Archduke Charles of Austria but Catholic faith meant there was same religious differences as with King Philip of Spain
4- Francis Duke of Alencon - Marriage negotiations went on for nearly a decade with Francis, who was heir to French throne. political advantages to be gained from this alliance e.g influence over French policy in Netherlands, and Elizabeth used this as advantage. However, Francis died in 1584 and after Elizabeth was destined to be alone.
why was elizabeth known as the virgin queen
portrayed herself as a monarch who put stability and security of England before her personal happiness. She would not marry anyone who could jeopardise England’s position
