3 Challenges at home and abroad

Question 1

Challenges faced at home

Answer 1

• Financial weakness
• Religious division (Mary Queen of Scots).

Question 2

Challenges faced abroad

Answer 2

• French threat (France and Scotland; France and Calais).
• Religious division (France and Spain)

Question 3

Financial weakness

Answer 3

• Financial debt rose due to previous wars and debasement at start of Elizabeth’s reign.
• Limited ways to raise money - most of the Crown Lands had already been sold; taxes were unpopular and complicated.

Question 4

Mary, Queen of Scots

Answer 4

• Declared herself legitimate heir to English throne when Mary I died - some english catholics supported (never accepted Anne Boleyn or Elizabeth as legitimate).
• Scotland was independent kingdom and raids across Scottish border were frequent - Elizabeth need to keep north guarded from Scottish attacks, and look out for potential Catholic rebels.

Question 5

France and Scotland

Answer 5

• France was wealthier, larger and more populous.
• Auld Alliance - Scotland and France forged alliance against England.
• Heir to France married Mary Queen of Scots - became queen consort of France whilst being queen regnant of Scotland; strong claim to english throne.

Question 6

France and Calais

Answer 6

• Calais had to be handed over back to France, after being captured for many years, when Mary I war failed in Elizabeth’s reign - humiliating; provided secure route and base for English forces, trade near channel port of Dover.

Question 7

France and Spain

Answer 7

• Peace meant they (rivals but catholic) could unite against England (protestant)
• They may support Mary, Queen of Scots (catholic) as Elizabeth’s (protestant) replacement.