The Sitiation At The Start Of Elizabethes's Reign And The Problems She Faced Flashcards
When did queen elizabeth come into power
November 1558
What was the problem around legitimacy facing Queen Elizabeth
Her legitamacy was in doubt as her father had divorced his first wife (Catherine of Aragon) and then married Elizabeth’s mother Anne Boleyn.
Commited catholics who had refused to acknowledge Henry’s Divorce didn’t see Elizabeth as legitimate
What was the problem around Elizabeth’s gender at the start of her reign
Many people thought a Woman would not be able to do as good a Job as a man as they believed a woman would be weaker and not able to rule as well
What was the problem around Elizabeth’s marriage at the start of her reign
As women were seen as inferior many people thought she should marry a man who could lead the armies and take control however she didn’t
Why was money a problem at the start of Elizabeth’s reign
Elizabeth came into a country with a depleted economy.
And costly wars didn’t help either
eg debt from previous Monarchs like Mary I,Henry VIII and Edward VI who spent a lot on costly wars mostly against France and Scotland which cost 300K
The trade between England and European countries had declined which created some instability within the country
Cost of coin went down in attempts to fund King Henry VII wars which led to inflation and economic instability which hurt the government when collecting taxes
Why were France a threat to Elizabeth at the start of her reign
France was wealthier and was the natural enemy of England.
They were also allied with Scotland
Why did Mary Queen of Scots pose a threat to Elizabeth at the start of her reign
Many people believed Elizabeth was illegitimate - born out of wedlock- and had no right to the throne as her father Henry VII had divorced his first wife which Catholics didn’t recognise
Elizabeth had converted Englands official religion to Protestantism which angered Catholics and turned many against her and people began to see Mary as their figurehead (leader without real power) and a replacement for the throne
Why was religion a problem at the start of Elizebath’s reign (Catholcism and Protestants)
England had been through two religions for the last few years which meant both catholics and protestants wanted their religion to be the major one.
Elizabeth had to keep both sides happy
What part of England tended to be more Catholic
Parts of the North and west
What was society (everyones roles) like in Elizabethan England at the start of Elizabeth’s reign
Elizebethans had a clear idea of where everybody belonged in society.
The monarchy
Nobility
Gentry
Merchant
yeomen
Peasantry
What was court in Elizebethan england
A body of people who lived in or near the same palace as the monarch,mainly made up of noble people
What was the Privy Council in Elizebethan England
It was made up of leading courtiers and advisers for the monarch
they made sure the monarch’s decisions were carried out and debated on current issues
What was parliament in Elizebethan England
It was made up of the house of lords and the house of commons and passed laws and offered advice to the monarch
What was the lords lieutenant in elizabethan England
One person from each county chosen by the monarch,Essential to maintaining the monarch’s power and Englands defences
What was the significance of the church of england in early elizabethan society
(People)
(Teachings)
The meeting place of all people every sunday playing a central role in their lives
Chuch of England promoted loyalty to the queen by repeating prayers of obedience
Who was the Monacrh
Had absolute power but relied on advisors and parliament to govern effectively
Who was the Nobility
Dukes Earls and Barons they were the wealthiest and most powerful landowners who may advise the queen and were important in Parliament
Who was the Gentry
Knights Esquires and Gentlemen played a crucial role in the local government,law enforcement and politics many were also members of Parliment
Who was the Merchants
Wealthy traders and business owners a lot of money through trading internationally particularly in things such as wool,cloth and species
Who was the Yeomen and Farmers
Yeomen owned their farm land whereas tenant farmers rented farmland from the nobles and gentry
They were very important for food. Production and the local evonomy
Who were peasants
They were the lowest class who were often unemployed or homeless
Due to them the poor laws were invented in attempts to help them but many were seen as beggars and therefore punished as ‘vagrants’ who were wanders and beggers
