1 The Virgin Queen

Question 1

Problems Elizabeth faced becoming queen.

Answer 1

• Legitimacy
• Gender
• Marriage
• Character

Question 2

Problems of Elizabeth’s legitimacy.

Answer 2

• Catholic church disclaimed her father’s divorce (with Catherine) and denounced the new marriage (with Anne) - never saw her as being born in wedlock.
• Henry declared her illegitimate when Anne was executed (1536) but re-established it years later - impression of illegitimacy stayed strong amongst some of her subjects.

Question 3

Problems of Elizabeth’s gender.

Answer 3

• Highly unusual to see woman rule as queen regnant in her own right - bad impression from Mary I
• Medieval christianity taught women were inferior to men; placed men in authority over women.
• Women considered physically, mentally and emotionally incapable of ruling strong government - most received little to no education, seen as not as intelligent as men.
• Monarchs led army into battle - Elizabeth not seen as strong enough to do this.
• Monarchs expected to make difficult decisions - women seen as too emotional; men seen as more ruthless.

Question 4

Problems of Elizabeth’s marriage

Answer 4

• Expected to marry.
• Monarchs led army to battle - husband could fulfil role on her behalf; key role at time.
• Tudor succession could be secured - legitimate heirs; avoid conflicts over succession when she dies.
• Choice of husbands - foreign husband may put own country above England, not be powerful enough or not societally accepted (e.g. Phillip II, Eric of Sweden, Duke of Alençon); english husbands would not secure alliances with important foreign nations and could cause war between rival families (e.g. Robert Dudley).
• Husband could undermine her authority - societal attitudes may result husband to be seen as having authority or being ruler instead.

Question 5

Elizabeths ruling qualities.

Answer 5

• Intelligent and well educated - spoke 4 languages; use to rule effectively.
• Able politician - upbringing in court of her father gave her grasp of courtly politics; spent time in Tower of London on suspicion of treason against Mary I to learn about dangers from mis-steps.
• Engaging and charismatic speaker - speeches highly motivating; appreciated art and usefulness of entertaining at court.
• Quick to anger - temper made people scared of her so many were cautious in her company.
• Thoughtful - slow decision making; didn’t like to be rushed; Privy Councillors found this frustrating - not useful in urgent matters.