Elizabeth I Flashcards
(61 cards)
Government
- What were the two main chambers of the Royal Court during Elizabeth I’s reign, and how did they differ in terms of accessibility and importance?
- The Royal Court during Elizabeth I’s reign comprised two main chambers: the presence chamber and the privy chamber. The presence chamber served as a public space accessible to individuals with valid status, where the queen held** audiences and conducted business.** In contrast, the privy chamber was more exclusive and held greater importance, functioning as a private space where **confidential matters were discussed. **An example of the difference in accessibility is evident in the fact that the presence chamber allowed entry to individuals with appropriate status, while the privy chamber was restricted to a select few trusted advisors and courtiers.
Government
- Who was described as “the man who does everything” by a Spanish ambassador, and what was his role in Elizabeth I’s government?
- William Cecil, one of Elizabeth I’s key ministers, earned the epithet “the man who does everything” from a Spanish ambassador. Cecil played a pivotal role in Elizabeth’s government, overseeing policy advice and administration as a member of her Privy Council. His influence extended across various aspects of governance, from domestic affairs to foreign policy. For instance, Cecil’s strategic management of the Privy Council helped navigate diplomatic challenges, such as the delicate relations with Spain and the execution of Mary Queen of Scots.
Government
- Name three key ministers who served alongside William Cecil in Elizabeth I’s Privy Council.
- Alongside William Cecil, three key ministers served in Elizabeth I’s Privy Council: Nicholas Bacon, Francis Russell, Earl of Bedford, and Sir Francis Knollys. Each minister brought unique expertise and perspectives to the council, contributing to the breadth of advice available to the queen. For instance, Bacon’s legal acumen complemented Cecil’s strategic vision, while Knollys’ experience in court politics enriched discussions on matters of state.
Government
- What event in 1587 led to a breakdown in relations within Elizabeth I’s Privy Council?
- The breakdown in relations within Elizabeth I’s Privy Council was precipitated by the execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1587. This contentious decision polarized council members, with factions forming around differing views on foreign policy and the treatment of Catholic threats. For example, while some councilors advocated for a conciliatory approach towards Catholic powers like Spain, others supported a more aggressive stance to safeguard Protestant interests.
- Why was the influence of the conservative aristocracy in Elizabeth I’s Privy Council diminished by 1570?
- The influence of the conservative aristocracy in Elizabeth I’s Privy Council waned by 1570 due to several factors. The deaths of key conservative figures, such as the Marquis of Winchester and the execution of Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk, weakened their presence in the council. Moreover, the ascendance of Protestant-leaning advisors, including **Walsingham and the Earl of Warwick, shifted the balance of power **towards more reformist factions within the council.
Government
- Who were some key Protestant figures appointed to Elizabeth I’s Privy Council, and what was their significance?
- Key Protestant figures appointed to Elizabeth I’s Privy Council played significant roles in shaping the queen’s policies and defending Protestant interests. For instance, figures like Walsingham, Leicester (Robert Dudley), and Mildmay were instrumental in advocating for religious reforms and combating Catholic threats. Their appointments signaled Elizabeth’s commitment to advancing Protestantism within her realm and safeguarding against external Catholic influences.
Government
- What factors contributed to the weakening of Elizabeth I’s Privy Council by the late 16th century?
(Willaim cecil –> Robert cecil)
- The weakening of Elizabeth I’s Privy Council by the late 16th century stemmed from various challenges and changes. The deaths of key ministers depleted the council’s expertise and institutional memory, making it harder to maintain cohesive decision-making. Additionally, the lack of immediate replacements and reliance on **less experienced successors **diminished the council’s effectiveness in addressing pressing issues, such as religious unrest and foreign threats
Government
- In what ways did family connections influence factional rivalry within Elizabeth I’s government?
- Family connections played a crucial role in shaping factional rivalry within Elizabeth I’s government, with alliances and conflicts often reflecting personal ties and loyalties. For instance, the cooperation between the Parrs and Boleyns in court aimed to balance religious differences and maintain stability. However, tensions arose between rival factions, such as the discord between Robert Cecil and the Earl of Essex, which escalated into open confrontation and governance challenges.
Government
- Describe the circumstances and consequences of the Essex Rebellion in 1601.
- The Essex Rebellion in 1601 marked a significant crisis in Elizabeth I’s reign, driven by personal rivalries and political discontent. The rebellion, led by the Earl of Essex,aimed to overthrow Robert Cecil and his allies, reflecting Essex’s frustration with his declining influence and perceived mistreatment. However, the rebellion ultimately failed, leading to Essex’s arrest, trial, and execution, and highlighting the dangers of unchecked ambition and dissent within the political establishment.
Government
- How did Parliament’s importance change during Elizabeth I’s reign compared to Henry VIII’s reign?
Parliament’s importance during Elizabeth I’s reign differed from Henry VIII’s era, serving primarily as a legislative body tasked with lawmaking, granting taxation, and providing advice. However, unlike Henry VIII, Elizabeth viewed Parliament with ambivalence, often regarding it as a necessary but **burdensome aspect of governance **rather than a source of genuine support or partnership.
Government
- Name two significant legislative acts passed during Elizabeth I’s reign and briefly explain their importance.
Religious settlement
- Two significant legislative acts passed during Elizabeth I’s reign were the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity in 1559 and the penal laws against Catholics. The Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity established **Protestantism as the official religion of England, consolidating Elizabeth’s authority over the Church and enforcing religious conformity. The penal laws targeted Catholics, imposing harsh penalties on those who refused to adhere to the established religious settlement**, thus safeguarding Protestant supremacy.
Government
- What was the primary function of Parliament in terms of granting taxation during Elizabeth I’s reign?
- The primary function of Parliament in granting taxation during Elizabeth I’s reign was to provide extraordinary revenue to the crown to meet pressing financial needs. Due to the decline in crown revenue and the queen’s reluctance to reform direct taxation, Parliament became a crucial source of funding for essential expenditures, such as defenseand administration.
Government
- Why did Elizabeth I levy extraordinary revenue from Parliament, and what were the consequences of her failure to reform direct taxation?
- Elizabeth I levied extraordinary revenue from Parliament to address the shortfall in crown revenue and fund essential government functions. However, her failure to reform direct taxation limited the long-term sustainability of this approach, as it relied on temporary measures rather than addressing structural fiscal challenges. Consequently, the crown faced increasing financial pressure and dependence on parliamentary grants over time.
Government
- How did Parliament contribute to communication between councillors and local administrators?
- Parliament facilitated communication between councillors and local administrators by providing a platform for debate and discussion on matters of national importance. **Privy councillors and senior ministers **used parliamentary sessions to articulate policy priorities and solicit input from representatives across the realm, enhancing coordination and cooperation between central and regional authorities.
Government
- Who played a crucial role in managing Parliament during Elizabeth I’s reign, and how did they prepare the crown’s legislative program?
- William Cecil played a crucial role in managing Parliament during Elizabeth I’s reign, overseeing the crown’s legislative agenda and coordinating efforts to secure favorable outcomes. Cecil’s meticulous planning and strategic acumen ensured the effective functioning of Parliament, as exemplified by his collaboration with trusted allies like Sir Francis Knollys and Sir Christopher Hatton in navigating legislative challenges and advancing royal interests.
Government
- What were some instances where Elizabeth I showed irritation towards Parliament, particularly regarding challenges to her prerogatives?
- Elizabeth I exhibited irritation towards Parliament on several occasions, particularly when MPs encroached on matters within the royal prerogative or challenged her authority. For instance, disputes over marriage and succession in 1563 and 1566 prompted Elizabeth’s displeasure, as did the refusal of royal assent to bills deemed contrary to her interests or prerogatives.
Government
- Describe the significance of the Golden Speech in 1601 and its impact on Elizabeth I’s relationship with Parliament.
- The Golden Speech delivered by Elizabeth I in 1601 marked a poignant moment in her relationship with Parliament, showcasing her diplomatic skill and rhetorical prowess in navigating contentious issues. The speech served to defuse tensions arising from debates over monopolies and monopolistic practices, redirecting attention towards unity and mutual respect between the crown and Parliament. However, it also underscored the growing challenges faced by the crown in managing parliamentary affairs, as evidenced by the concessions made to address grievances and restore harmony within the political establishment.
Foreign Policy
- What were the primary concerns regarding marriage and succession during Elizabeth I’s reign, and how did they intersect with foreign policy considerations?
Elizabethan foreign policy was deeply intertwined with concerns over marriage and succession. The need to secure a Protestant heir to maintain stability and prevent Catholic restoration was paramount. Elizabeth’s reluctance to marry was partly influenced by her desire to avoid foreign entanglements that could compromise England’s sovereignty. Moreover, her choice not to produce an heir left England vulnerable to succession crises upon her death. This uncertainty influenced her approach to diplomacy and alliances, as she sought to navigate the delicate balance of power in Europe without committing to a marriage that could undermine her authority.
Foreign Policy
- Describe the 2 main suitors considered for Elizabeth I’s hand in marriage and the political implications associated with each.
- Philip II of Spain - would have aligned England with the Catholic Habsburg dynasty - unpopular in England.
- Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, -lacked the international standing necessary.
Foreign Policy
- How did the issue of succession in England manifest within Parliament, and what were some of the potential consequences if Elizabeth I were to die without a clear successor?
There was a fear of foreign invasion, or the ascension of a Catholic monarch, which could undo the religious reforms of the English Reformation. These concerns underscored the importance of securing the Tudor dynasty and maintaining Protestant rule in England.
Foreign Policy
- Explain the significance of Elizabeth I’s decision not to marry and how it affected the final succession to the English throne.
Elizabeth’s decision not to marry allowed her to retain control over her own affairs not being subservient to a foreign spouse. This allowed her to pursue a policy of pragmatic diplomacy, balancing competing interests without being beholden to any one ally. However, it also meant that there was no clear line of succession, leading to uncertainty and instability as rival claimants vied for the throne upon her death.
Foreign Policy
- Discuss the role and significance of Mary Queen of Scots in the context of succession and foreign policy during Elizabethan England.
Mary Queen of Scots emerged as a central figure in the succession crisis, posing a significant threat to Elizabeth’s reign. As a Catholic claimant to the English throne, Mary’s presence in England became a focal point for Catholic plots and conspiracies against Elizabeth. For example, the Ridolfi Plot of 1571 sought to overthrow Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, prompting a crackdown on Catholic dissenters and reinforcing Elizabeth’s suspicions of foreign interference in English affairs.
Foreign Policy
- Outline the major plots against Elizabeth I involving Mary Queen of Scots and their implications for Anglo-Scottish relations.
The most infamous of these plots was the Babington Plot of 1586, in which Mary was implicated in a conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth and incite a Catholic uprising. The uncovering of this plot led to Mary’s trial and execution, exacerbating tensions between England and Scotland and further polarizing Catholic-Protestant relations in Europe.
Foreign Policy
- Detail the key events and treaties that shaped Anglo-French relations during the Elizabethan era, including the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis and the Treaty of Blois.
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