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History GCSE - Queen Elizabeth > Topic 1 - Queen, government and religion 1558-69 > Flashcards

Topic 1 - Queen, government and religion 1558-69 Flashcards

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1
Q

Why was Elizabethan society dangerous

A

There was no police force or a permanent army

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2
Q

What was the social hierarchy of Elizabeth based on

A

How much land someone owned. If you were higher in the hierarchy you were expected to look after those below you, who were expected to show respect to those higher

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3
Q

What were the fourth classes in Elizabethan society

A

Gentlemen - Gentry, lords, nobility
Middling sort - Merchants, professional and master craftsmen
Yeomen - Own their land
Fourth sort - vagrants, landless labourers and unskilled workers

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4
Q

Outline the nobility in Elizabethan society

A

The wealthiest landowners who had huge local influence (Around 50 families)

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5
Q

Outline the gentry in Elizabethan society

A

Owned their own land and lived off of it (less land than nobility)

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6
Q

Outline the yeomen in Elizabethan society

A

Farmers who owned their own land

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7
Q

Outline the tenant farmers in Elizabethan society

A

Farmers who rented land

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8
Q

Outline the the landless/labouring poor and the unskilled workers in Elizabethan society

A

Usually employed as an agricultural worker on a seasonal basis. There was a big divide between rich and poor.

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9
Q

Outline the merchants and professionals in Elizabethan society

A

Merchants -Based on wealth and they often owned a lot of property
Professionals - Lawyers, clergy, doctors, teachers

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10
Q

Outline the skilled craftsmen in Elizabethan society

A

-Could be wealthy business owners or skilled employees
-Organised into guilds

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11
Q

Outline towns in Elizabethan society

A

Population was increasing and towns and cities were growing rapidly though most lived in rural areas

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12
Q

Who was head of the Elizabethan government and what power did they have

A

-The monarch who could declare war and make peace and call/dismiss parliament
-However needed nobles/gentry to keep law and order and provide soldier’s

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13
Q

What were Justices of Peace in Elizabethan government

A

Large landowners who kept law and order. Unpaid but position of status and they reported to the Privy Council. Oversaw social and economic policies

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14
Q

Outline Lords Lieutenant in Elizabeth’s government

A

Chosen by the monarch in each county and they were members of nobility and in Privy Council. In charge of training local military and oversaw enforcement of policies.

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15
Q

Outline the court in Elizabeth’s government

A

Body of people who lived in or near palace as monarch. Made up of nobles and had to entertain and advise monarch, they had influence with the monarch.

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16
Q

Outline the Privy Council

A

-Group of 20 of Queen’s most trusted counsellors who advised her and ensured her wishes carried out
-Met at least 3 times a week
-Most important roles were to debate issues and advise the monarch and oversee law + order

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17
Q

Why could QE be considered a good Queen pre her being crowned

A

-Intelligent - she learned Greek, Latin, French and Italian and her tutor said -“Her mind is free from female weakness”
-Could cope in stressful situations - Wrote to Mary after accused of treason and said she was her ‘most faithful subject’. and she was taken from family + called illegitimate + mother beheaded

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18
Q

Why was QE being a women viewed as a weakness

A

-In the 16th century it was believed women should be domestic and silent wives as they were physically inferior
-Female rulers were seen as a liability (her closest advisor told someone off for discussing things too heavy for a woman)
-Mary I reign confirmed this as she started an unpopular war which showed women weren’t strong enough to be queen

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19
Q

What was Elizabeth’s response to the doubts about her being queen due to her being a woman.

A

She was unable to solve the problem unless she immediately married and handed off her power. Her only choice was to prove herself as a good ruler.

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20
Q

Why was QE being viewed as illegitimate a problem

A

Henry VIII made himself head of C of E to divorce Catherine of Aragon. Some Catholics didn’t believe QE had a claim to the throne as only the pope could authorise a divorce so QE’s parents’ marriage wasn’t valid

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21
Q

What was Elizabeth’s response to the problem of her being viewed as illegitimate

A

Little she could do as even marrying and having children wouldn’t change the validation of her parents marriage. She needed to win people against her ruling due to the illegitimacy over.

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22
Q

How was QE being unmarried without an heir a problem for her

A

People expected she would marry more quickly and have children to be here to the throne. In early weeks of her reign she turned down 2 potential husbands because her and the council were focused on the war w/ France and religious settlement.

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23
Q

How did QE respond to the problem of her her being unmarried without an heir

A

-She decided not to marry as whoever she would have married would have been a problem as marrying an English nobleman would have caused anger/jealousy between nobles
-Marrying a foreign suitor would have been problematic as most were catholic and she couldn’t anger her Protestant subjects
-Later in her reign she presented herself as the ‘virgin queen’ married to England.

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24
Q

Why was QE facing financial weakness in 1558

A

She inherited a £300,000 debt. Edward VI’s wars with Scotland and Mary I’s war with France had been expensive and the annual income of the crown in 1558 was just over £285,000

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25
Q

Why was financial weakness a problem for QE

A

-In the 16th century the monarch was expected to pay for all of the costs of running the country and the costs of running the royal household
-Money made her powerful, without it she was reliant on others.

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26
Q

How could QE get money for the crown in 1558

A

-Rent or sale of crown lands
-Fines given by judges
-Customs duties on imports
-Additional taxes which had to be agreed by the government

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27
Q

Why was there no easy solution for QE’s financial weakness in 1558

A

-Rents were fixed and couldn’t be increased
-Mary I had sold a lot of land to cover her debts which reduced income from rents further
-England was suffering high levels of inflation and so the poor could not afford to pay anymore in taxes
-QE didn’t want to increase tax for nobility and gentry as she risked losing their support
-Asking parliament to introduce new taxes would give them too much power

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28
Q

Why was QE choosing the Privy Council a problem?

A

-If Elizabeth chose the right councillors she would have a loyal team to help her run the country, however if she got it wrong she would have alienated the most powerful men in the country
-She may have had to keep some Catholic councillors because of their experience
-She needs powerful nobles, but needed to be in charge as she was a woman

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29
Q

How were France and Scotland linked in 1558

A

-MQS was Queen of Scotland and married to heir of the French Throne
-Both were Catholic

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30
Q

Why was war with France a problem in 1558

A

-France was a Catholic country and Catholics wanted MQS on the throne so France could invade England on her behalf.
-£100,000 was spent at the start of her reign on military arms and munitions such as guns, pike-heads, bows and gunpowder.

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31
Q

Why should Elizabeth have either continued or ended the French war in 1558?

A

Continue the war : a military victory would be a popular start to her reign and making peace could make her look weak
Make peace : Defeat would start her reign off terribly and take the governments time and England was only fighting as Mary I wanted to support her husband - QE had no interest in continuing

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32
Q

How did QE respond to the war with France in 1558

A

Peace was signed with France in January 1559, just three months after she became Queen in the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis and Calais was lost forever.

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33
Q

Why was there still a problem with France after the war ended in 1558

A

When QE decided England would have a Protestant Church it increased the likelihood of a European religious crusade against England to restore Catholicism

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34
Q

How did QE respond to the problem of choosing the Privy Council

A

-Only had 20 councillors
-Immediately made William Cecil her secretary of state
-Thanked all past councillors to keep their support
-Didn’t make close friend Robert Dudley member to stop jealousy
-Kept 10 who served on the old council - trying to not offend powerful nobles
-Chose new councillors from relatives and trusted colleagues
-Most important meetings carried out with an inner circle (Protestant)

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35
Q

How did QE respond to her financial weakness in 1558

A

-QE cut back government spending right from the beginning of the reign and strictly monitored the costs of her household
-Exchequer officials were ordered to balance the accounts and make sure all debts called in
-Crown lands were sold off throughout the 20 years bringing £600,000 into the Exchequer
-By 1585 Elizabeth had paid off Mary’s debt and had £300,000

36
Q

How was poverty a problem for QE in 1558

A

-Inflation had worsened
-1550 overproduction of wool led to slump in trade and loss of jobs
-Enclosed fields meant less farms so less jobs
-Not doing anything could make her unpopular and have those in hardship join rebellions
-Henry VIII had closed monasteries = less help for the poor as monks had supported them as part of their duty to God.

37
Q

How did QE respond to poverty in 1558

A

The harvest in 1558 was very good so QE had breathing space. In future she could only pray and hope for good harvests

38
Q

What did the three main religions think about the Head of the Church in 1558

A

Protestant - Wanted the King or Queen as Head of the Church with bishops and archbishops to help them
Catholic - Wanted to keep the Pope in Rome as Head of the Church, and have a structure with cardinals, archbishops and bishops to help the Pope govern the church
Puritan - Didn’t believe in a head of the church or bishops, instead wanted committees elected by churchgoers to make the rules

39
Q

What did the three main religions think about decoration in church in 1558

A

Protestant - Didn’t think money given to the Church should be spent on decoration. They wanted a less decorative Church
Catholic - Wanted to show glory of God through decorations (e.g. stained glass windows, statues, pictures, murals, huge altars and organs)
Puritans - Plain and simple church so no distractions from worshipping God. They argued decorations weren’t based on the Bible so approved by God.

40
Q

What did the three main religions think about the clergy

A

Protestants - Believed the clergy could marry and should wear plain gowns
Catholic - Believed they shouldn’t marry and should wear richly decorated robes (vestments)
Puritans - Believed they should wear plain black gowns

41
Q

What did the three main religions think about the Bible and services

A

Protestant - Wanted the Bible in English for everyone to read and church services in English with Communion. Bread and wine = bread and wine + body and blood of Jesus
Catholic - Wanted the Bible in Latin, only read by priests with the Latin Mass. Catholics believed that a miracle took place during mass and bread and wine = Jesus body and blood
Puritan - Bible and church services in English with Communion. They believed bread and wine was just that and Jesus was spiritually present

42
Q

Why was religion so important to people in the 16th century

A

-Following the right religion would be rewarded when people died and so it was crucial that people followed the religion they believed to be the right one
-Most people went to Church every Sunday and they had the most important moments of their lives conducted here (marriages, baptisms and holy days)
-People had been prepared to die rather than change religion under Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I. Over 300 Protestants refused to change during Mary’s reign
-Churches attended to moral issues such as bigamy, slander and wills/inheritance
-Provided assistance to poor in times of need as there was no government or organised relief

43
Q

Why did religious division cause a problem that could weaken the country or create civil

A

-Elizabeth wanted the country to be united
-Division could make it harder to fight against a foreign invader
-It could lead to civil war which would make it easier for invaders

44
Q

Why did religious division cause a problem of threat of rebellion

A

-There had been rebellions in the past such as Henry VIII closing monasteries which sparked Pilgrimage of Grace.
-Mary I burnt 300 rebels led by Sir Thomas Wyatt
-Edward’s government created new prayer book and Catholics in Devon and Cornwall rebelled

45
Q

Why did religious division cause a problem that could increase threat from powerful Catholic countries and the Pope

A

-France, Scotland and Spain were all Catholic, going against Catholicism could start war
-Most of QE’s potential suitors were Catholic so she would have to give them power if she married
-If she was excommunicated she would lose her powrr

46
Q

Why did religious division cause a problem that could upset hopeful protestants

A

-A lot of QE’S advisors were Protestant
-Marian exiles returned home expecting a Protestant country
-Lots of people didn’t accept religious change especially in the North

47
Q

Why did religious division cause a problem that meant comprise was difficult

A

-There was no tolerance for other religions
-QE was a committed Protestant so couldn’t accept Pope as the Head of the Church
-Puritans wanted no part of Catholicism in the Church

48
Q

What was the Act of Supremacy (Religious Settlement) and who did it please

A

-Elizabeth was Head of the Church - but went by ‘Supreme Governor’ instead the ‘Supreme Head of the Church of England’.
-This was a positive for Catholics as they could still think of the Pope as the head

49
Q

How was the Act of Supremacy enforced

A

-All clergy and royal officials had to swear an oath of allegiance to her as head of the church, if they refused they could be imprisoned (8750/9000 clergy/priests agreed) (only 1 bishop agreed out of 28)
-The C of E was responsible for checking

50
Q

What is the Act of Uniformity and Royal Injuctions

A

-Everyone was to attend Church on Sunday and holy days
-Bread and wine were to be offered during services
-A Protestant Book of Common Prayer written in English was to be used in all church services
-Each church had to have a copy of the Bible in English
-Priests were to wear vestments (robes) and could marry
-All clergy were to teach Royal Supremacy
-Pilgrimages and monuments to fake miracles were banned
-Allowed some religious images and statues in church
-Stained glass windows, organs and hymns stayed

51
Q

How was the Act of Uniformity and Royal Injuctions enforced

A

-Fine of one shilling for not attending church (almost a weeks wages for majority)
-Anyone who refused to attend church would be reported to the Privy Council
-Clergy could not preach without a licence from the government
-Any clergy refusing to use the Book of Common Prayer would be punished
-C of E would carry out visitations to churches to check the clergy had their licenses and were following the terms of the settlement

52
Q

Why were puritans opposed to the religious settlement - head of the Church and Bishops

A

-They were against bishops running the church and Elizabeth being head of the Church
-They wanted the Church to be run by committees elected by church goers. And Puritans didn’t believe in head of the church.

53
Q

Why were puritans opposed to the religious settlement - church decoration and music

A

-They were against the music, stained glass windows, alters,
pictures and statues
-They wanted plain churches so there were no distractions from God

54
Q

Why were puritans opposed to the religious settlement - Bible and services

A

-They hated the wording of the prayer book
-They thought the presence of Jesus in the Communion was spiritual not physical

55
Q

Why were puritans opposed to the religious settlement - clergy

A

-The robes they wore were like vestments
-Puritans wanted the Parish clergy to wear only plain black gowns

56
Q

What was the vestment controversy

A

-People believed the clergy should have either no special clothing or plain black clothing as elaborate clothing was a Catholic thing showing that Priests could forgive sins and turn bread/wine into the body and blood of Christ

57
Q

How did QE respond to the vestment controversy

A

-‘Book of Advertisements’ issued guidelines in Archbishops of Canterbury’s book
-He also held exhibition in London and 37/100 who didn’t attend lost their posts

58
Q

Which influential positions did Puritans hold increasing the Puritan threat

A

-MPs in the House of Commons
-Some members of the Queen’s
-Francis Walshingham and Earl of Leicester

59
Q

How did Puritans try to persuade QE to make changes to the religious settlement

A

-Pushed for the removal of things they didn’t like as they were too Catholic, such as holy days and organ music

60
Q

Why did Elizabeth refuse to agree to Puritan wishes

A

She liked some of the Catholic of the old Catholic ways and they want to get rid of bishops which could destroy power to rule of England

61
Q

Why were Puritans not a significant threat

A

They were a minority and most people like the Church of England and they’d never try overthrow her.

62
Q

Why were some Catholics opposed to the religious settlement

A

-The omission of Catholic mass could risk their chance of going to heaven

63
Q

How did some Catholics oppose to the religious settlement

A

They attended a secret mass in a house or refused to go to the services at all (recusants)

64
Q

Why were Catholics not a big threat to Elizabeth after the religious settle,ent

A

-They had no support from the Pope or foreign powers and QE is lenient towards it as long as they don’t try overthrow her because it could cause a bigger problem

65
Q

Why was there generally acceptance of the religious settlement from Catholics and Protestants

A

There were clear elements to please both like the appearance was but services was Protestant

66
Q

Why did QE leave parts of the religious settlement open to interpretation

A

So they could satisfy both religions. In the Book of Common the wording of the service meant Catholics could interpret the bread and win as becoming the blood and body of Christ during Communion

67
Q

How did the Pope, Spain and France respond to the religious settlement? And why?

A

-None of them took action against it which her time to enforce new laws
-France was busy with Civil war and both were dealing with Protestant rebels

68
Q

What did Elizabeth do in 1560 that increased the Catholic threat

A

The Protestant Lords in Scotland rebelled against the French rule in the 1550s led by preacher John Knox. In 1560 QE sent troops and money to support the rebels. The French were defeated and forced to leave Scotland which greatly reduced the risk of a French invasion from Scotland but also made it clear that QE would support Protestants over Catholics.

69
Q

What did Elizabeth do in 1962 that increased the Catholic threat

A

A religious civil war broke out in France and QE agreed to help Protestant rebels to try get Calais back however this failed as France made peace. In 1964 she signed the Treaty of Troyes which confirmed Calais belonged to France. QE supported Protestants once again which Phillip was open annoyed by.

70
Q

What did Elizabeth do in 1963 that increased the Catholic threat

A

At this time Netherlands belonged to Spain. Philip banned the import of English cloth to the Netherlands in 1563 as he believed the English merchants would spread Protestantism there, QE ceased trade with Netherlands. This embargo lasted for about about a year.

71
Q

What happened in 1566 that increased the Catholic threat (Pope)

A

-The papacy offered no leadership to English Catholics opposition to religious settlement.
-In 1566 the Pope issued instruction that they shouldn’t attend C of e E services

72
Q

What did Philip do in 1566 that increased the Catholic threat

A

Both Catholics and Protestant in Netherlands rebelled against the Spanish rule leasing to the Dutch Revolt in 1566. Philip II sent an army of 10,000 led by the Duke of Alba to crush the revolt. Now a large Spanish army close to England.

73
Q

What did Elizabeth do in 1567-68 that increased the Catholic threat

A

Dutch rebels fled to the water to attack Spanish ships carrying men and resources. In 1567 QE allowed Sea Beggers to shelter in English harbours. Once the revolt was crushed by the Spanish in 1568 thousands of Dutch Protestants fled to England. Publicly Elizabeth condemned the actions of the Dutch rebels as she was anxious not be seen as their Protestant saviour and subsequently anger Philip.

74
Q

What did Elizabeth do in 1568 that increased the Catholic threat (Genoese)

A

Spanish ships carrying gold to pay Alba’s troops took shelter from the Sea Beggars in an English port. The gold had been loaned to Philip by bankers in Genoa, Italy. Elizabeth took the gold for herself in an event which became known as the Genoese Loan and Philip was furious.

75
Q

What happened do in 1568 that increased the Catholic threat (MQS)

A

-In 1568 MQS fled to England from Scotland. Many Catholics thought she had a stronger claim to throne than QE and now she was in England they had more chance of working with her to rebel.

76
Q

Who was MQS

A

-She became MQS 6 days after her birth in 1542. Her French mother, Mary of Guise, ruled as regent (on her behalf)
-She was Elizabeth’s cousin and as long QE remained childless she was heir to the English

77
Q

Why was MQS’ marriage to Lord Darnley a problem

A

-Strengthened her claim to the throne
-Angered Scottish lords as Scotland was a Protestant country and she married a Catholic

78
Q

What happened to Lord Darnley in 1567

A

-He was murdered and the Earl of Bothwell was the main suspect

79
Q

What was QE’S reaction to Darnley’s murder

A

She was horrified and surprised MQS was associated with Bothwell and encouraged Mary to not support Bothwell

80
Q

Who did MQS marry in 1567 and what problem did it cause

A

-Earl of Bothwell
-Confirmed her involvement in Lord Darnley’s death

81
Q

What was the reaction of Scottish lords to MQS and Earl of Bothwell’s marriage

A

-Bothwell was allowed free
-MQS was imprisoned, forced to abdicate and her son was crowned and taken away from her

82
Q

What was QE’s reaction to MQS’ imprisonment

A

-She was very unhappy as the English nobles may see it as an example

83
Q

Why did MQS flee to England

A

To get her throne back as she had been told QE was on her side

84
Q

What did QE do with MQS

A

Put her on house arrest

85
Q

What problem did QE face when MQS arrived in England

A

-If she had been found guilty of Darnley’s murder she would have been handed over to Scottish Lords and QE would have been supporting nobles to overthrow a monarch
-If she let MQS free she would be free to raise an army (possibly with French support) and take the English throne

86
Q

What was the outcome of MQS’ trial?

A

As part of the York Conference the Scottish parliament presented ‘Casket Letters’ from MQS to Bothwell saying they were evidence for her involvement. The enquiry failed to reach a verdict which suited as she could keep MQS in prison

History GCSE - Queen Elizabeth (3 decks)

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