The early rule of Queen Elizabeth I Flashcards
Background to Elizabeth’s reign
When did Elizabeth I come to power?
1558
Background to Elizabeth’s reign
What were the strengths Elizabeth brought?
- Popular - her reign was seen as a fresh start
- Had English parents - meant that ahe would be more likely to be free from oversea influences
- single - wouldn’t be controlled by a (foreign) husband
- Protestant - commited to re-establishing the protestant Church in England {some, not all}
Background to Elizabeth’s reign
What were some problems Elizabeth inherited?
- her sister, Mary, left debts of £250,000
- some feared a female ruler meant that England would continue to be seen as a weak country
- worries about who Elizabeth might marry - a foreign prince might end up taking control
- religious conflict - Henry VIII (father) broke away from the Church and started his own
Elizabeths key ministers and advisors
What was the role of the Privy Council?
- a group of powerful noblemen appointed by Elizabeth - advised her, NOT CONTROLLED
- Elizabeth chose a small group of 19 men to minimise conflict between them - she had to make sure none becam too pwerful or became disloyal
- met everyday and was the most powerful art of the machinery of the government
Elizabeths key ministers and advisors
Who were Elizabeths key advisors?
- William Cecil - was appointed as the Secretary of State in 1558 - her most important minister and guided her wisely for 40 years
- Robert Dudley - Earl of Leicester and a trusted advisor until he died in 1558 - rumours that he and Elizabeth were lovers
- Sir Francis Walsingham - was in charge of Elizabeth’s secret service and advised on foreign affairs. In 1586, he uncovered the plot that led to MQS’ execution
Elizabeth’s Character
What were the features of Elizabeth’s character?
- Well educated and inteligent woman
- married to her people
- dominant monarch
- skilful propogandist
- loyal
Elizabeths relationship with parliament
How was government tightly controlled by Elizabeth?
paliament…
* could only meet if Elizabeth called it + she set the agenda
* could only talk about what Elizabeth allowed it to discuss
* could be closed by Elizabeth at any time
* only met 13 times in her 45 year reign for an average of 3 weeks per year
Elizabeths relationship with parliament
What topics/issues were MPs in conflict with Elizabeth with?
- Marriage issue
- Religion issue
- Freedom of speech issue
- Monopolies issue
Elizabeths relationship with parliament
What was the reason for the issue of marriage?
some MPs felt Elizabeth should marry and produce an heir in order to secure th eline of succession
Elizabeths response that this was her private business and would marry when and if it was conveniant
Elizabeths relationship with parliament
What was the reason for the issue of religion?
Elizabeth was Protestant and re-instated the Church of England but wanted to avoid religious conflict - offered a ‘middle way’
Some Puritan MPs disagreed with this compramise - challanged Elizabeth by threatening to not grant her taxes
Elizabeth said religion was a ‘matter of state’, not for Parliament, and forbade them to discuss religion
Elizabeths relationship with parliament
What was the reason for the issue of freedom of speech?
in 1576 an MP complained that MPs were not free to discuss whatever they liked…
…Elizabeth sent him to the tower of London for a month for speaking out
Elizabeths relationship with parliament
What was the reason for the issue of monopolies?
monopolies gave individual nobles and merchants the right to manufacture or sell particular goods - Elizabeth intended for them to promote business and boost the economy but…
* prices rose bc one person now controlled the supply of a particular product
* MPs felt they were unfair and were abused - protested against them in 1597-8 and 1601 and would not grant taxes until they had been withdrawn
