Unit 2.2 - Mary's Execution and Plots at Home Flashcards
Catholic threats faced by Elizabeth at the start of the 1570s: 1. SPAIN
Philip of Spain was a catholic who wanted to destroy Protestantism.
Spain had a large and growing empire in the Americas.
Catholic threats faced by Elizabeth at the start of the 1570s: ENGLISH CATHOLICS
English Catholics were under suspicion after the revolt of the Northern Earls in 1569.
In 1570, the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth.
1574 - Catholic Priests were smuggled into England from Europe to keep the English Catholics true to their faith.
Catholic threats faced by Elizabeth at the start of the 1570s: Mary, QUEEN OF SCOTS
Mary had a legitimate claim to the English Throne - her french family, the Guise, were very powerful Catholics. The Catholics wanted Mary as their queen since they viewed Elizabeth as illegitimate and didn’t like that she was Protestant.
Mary, Queen of Scots, married Lord Darnley in 1565. He was also a grandchild of Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, just like Mary. This meant both Mary and Darnley had Tudor blood, giving any child they had an even stronger Tudor lineage — a key factor in claiming the English throne.
- The Baby (James VI and I)
In 1566, Mary gave birth to James, who would later become James VI of Scotland and I of England. James had a double claim to the English throne through both his mother and father, which made him a very appealing successor in the eyes of many — especially since Elizabeth I had no children and was seen as potentially leaving no heir.
Catholic threats faced by Elizabeth at the start of the 1570s: The Dutch Revolt
Philip of Spain persecuted Dutch Protestants which led to the Dutch revolt - Elizabeth’s support for the Dutch Protestant Rebels was an important reason for worsening Anglo-Spanish relations. Phillip II was not happy with Elizabeth.
The Significance of the Revolt of the Northern Earls:
- first, serious rebellious act against Elizabeth from Catholics in England.
- The treason laws became harsher and so did the treatment of Catholics.
- Elizabeth ordered the execution of 700 rebels.
- Demonstrated the threat posed by Mary, Queen of Scots.
- Ended the power and influence of the Northern Earls.
- Encouraged the Pope to excommunicate Elizabeth - the pabal bull issued by the Pope put English Catholics in a difficult.
what was the pabal bull?
commanded the Pope not to recognise Elizabeth as the legitimate queen and to not remain loyal to her.
The Ridolfi Plot 1571: key ppl
Ridolfi was an Italian banker from Florence who was one of the Pope’s spies.
Philip of Spain
The Ridolfi Plot: aims
Arranged a plot to murder Elizabeth, launch a Spanish invasion and put Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne.
Similarly to the Revolt of the Northern Earls, the plan was for Mary to be married to the Duke of Norfoll.
The Ridolfi Plot: why did it fail?
Ridolfi discussed the plot with the Pope, Philip and Duke of Alba - Letter signed by Duke of Norfolk declaring he was Catholic - Philip told Alba to prepare 10, 000 men - William Cecil and Walsingham uncover plot and expose Ridolfi, labelling the case as high treason. Ridolfi flees.
The Ridolfi Plot: consequences
- reinforced the threat of Catholics
- threat to England from Spain
The Throckmorton Plot 1583: key ppl
French Duke of Guise - i.e. Mary’s cousin from her mother’s family
The Throckmorton Plot 1583: aims
invade England, free Mary, overthrow Elizabeth and restore Catholicism. Philip would provide financial support. Francis Throckmorton, a Catholic born into a noble family, was to act as a go-between Mary and the English rebels and Spain and France The Pope also approved of the plan.
The Throckmorton Plot 1583: why did it fail?
Walsingham uncovers the plot. Throckmorton arrested, tortured and confessed and executed.
The Throckmorton Plot 1583: consequences
- proves potential of France and Spain allying against England.
The Babington Plot 1586: key ppl
same people as Throckmorton Plot
The Babington Plot 1586: aims
The Duke of Guise would invade England with 60, 000 men and put Mary on the throne.
Both Philip II of Spain and the Pope supported this plot - murder Elizabeth.
The Babington Plot 1586: why did it fail?
Babington wrote to Mary about the Pope. Walsingham interpreted the letters and found details as well as names of people involved - all arrested.
The Babington Plot 1586: consequences
Babbington and is accomplices were hanged, drawn, quatered.
Mary tried by the Privy Council.
Relationship between Spain and England broken down completely.
England supported Dutch Protestants in rebelling against the Spanish.
Elizabeth’s government determined to crush catholicism.
Who was Francis Walsingham?
- interpreted coded letters and messages
- employed a network of spies and agents - some were double agents who took parts in the plots but sent information to Walsingham.
- he was influential in parliment - he passes many laws against Catholics and ultimately, the Bond of Association which said that if Elizabeth’s life was threatened, then Mary, Queen of Scots was to be executed.
In February 1587 Elizabeth finally…
signed Mary’s death warrant. She was horrified at the idea of executing her cousin and a queen but she finally decided that she could not let Mary stay alive.
What was the Treaty of Jonville?
Effectively this meant that Catholic French and Spanish were now allied against protestantism - would also work together against protestants in France
