The situation at the start of Elizabeth’s reign and problems she faced - Early Elizabethan England Flashcards
What was England like in 1558?
- Life expectancy was between 28 and 41
- Many were burned for their religious beliefs
- Having different beliefs from the monarchs was extremely dangerous
- Traitors faced execution
- If you were 16 in 1558, you outlived 21% of those born in 1558
- Elizabeth was imprisoned under suspicions of treason from her sister Mary I
What were the problems Elizabeth faced in her early years?
- Money
- France
- Scotland
- Mary Queen of Scots
- Spain
- Religious divisions(maybe)
Why was money a problem for Elizabeth in her early years?
She inherited a huge amount of debt. She had to work with Parliament to work out ways to provide income to defend her throne
Why was France a problem for Elizabeth in her early years?
Larger , wealthier traditional enemy , ally of Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots was half French
Why was Scotland a problem for Elizabeth in her early years?
Scotland was an independent country and traditional enemy of England. England’s border with scotland was remote and hard to defend - saw constant fighting and raids. French troops stationed there
Why was Mary Queen of Scots a problem for Elizabeth in her early years?
Mary was a Catholic monarch who had a strong claim to the English throne (she was Elizabeth’s second cousin). Catholics saw Mary as England’s legitimate monarch
Why was Spain a problem for Elizabeth in her early years?
Spain was the leading Carindic power in Europe.They were now no longer at war with France so there was a possibility of these two Catholic powers uniting against England and its protestant Queen
Why were there major divisions in England?
- Previous monarchs - Henry and Edward were Protestants whist Mary was Catholic, this caused many divisions
- English Catholics - felt that Elizabeth was illegitamate and that Mary Queen of Scots was a lawful queen
- The clergy - Most Bishops were Catholic
- Geography - Large parts of north and west were Catholic, South East tended to be protestant
- Puritans - Radical protestants who wanted to ‘purify’ Christianity
What did many believe by Elizabeth ruling by herself?
Women were thought to be inferior. A queen ruling by herself was very unusual so many felt that Elizabeth should marry
What was happening in 1558?
In 1558, country was divided by religion (Catholic until Henry VIll’s reign), many thought country’s differences would lead to civil war
Why did people not believe Elizabeth to be the legitamate queen?
As Henry VIII got divorced
