Elizabeth I's problems Flashcards
(37 cards)
What major religious and political divisions did Elizabeth I inherit?
Henry VIII’s break with the Catholic Church and Mary I’s attempts to restore Catholicism left England deeply divided.
What was the purpose of Elizabeth I’s religious settlement?
To establish moderate Protestantism as a compromise between Catholics and Protestants.
What opposition did Elizabeth face regarding her religious policies?
Resistance from both Catholics and more extreme Protestants.
What economic problems did Elizabeth inherit that were beyond her control?
Widespread poverty due to agricultural issues like poor harvests and inflation.
How did Elizabeth try to alleviate economic hardship?
Passed laws through Parliament to reduce poverty, though effects were limited.
Who were William Cecil and Francis Walsingham?
Key Privy Councillors who advised Elizabeth and helped her manage political and religious challenges.
Why was it challenging for Elizabeth to be accepted as a female ruler?
Medieval Christianity taught women were inferior; society expected male rulers to lead armies and make tough decisions, and women were viewed as emotional and less intelligent.
How did society view women’s education in Elizabeth’s time?
Most women received little to no education.
How did Elizabeth’s gender affect people’s perceptions of her ability to rule?
People believed women were too emotional and not ruthless enough to rule a country effectively.
How did Mary I’s reign highlight problems related to female rulers?
Mary’s marriage to Philip II of Spain led to foreign control and war; she had no children, causing succession instability.
Why was marriage a problem for Elizabeth I?
If she married, England risked foreign control through her husband.
How did the succession issue create problems for Elizabeth?
Mary I died childless, causing instability as Elizabeth took over and restored Protestantism.
What strategies did Elizabeth use to manage being a female monarch?
Used the patronage system, personal charisma, flirting with courtiers, creating court rivalries, and being forceful when needed.
How did Elizabeth show her strength in dealing with challenges to her authority?
She imprisoned Peter Wentworth in the Tower of London for discussing succession against her orders.
How did Elizabeth separate herself from Mary I’s legacy?
She avoided Mary’s mistakes and made different decisions throughout her reign.
Why is succession important for monarchs?
To continue the royal line, create stability, and provide security.
What happened when Elizabeth contracted smallpox in 1562?
Cecil was informed she might die without a named heir, causing concern.
What was Parliament’s reaction to Elizabeth not naming an heir?
They urged her to marry or nominate a successor to prevent instability.
Why did Elizabeth refuse to name an heir?
She claimed that naming an heir would endanger her.
Who were some possible heirs during Elizabeth’s reign?
Mary Queen of Scots, Lady Catherine Grey, Lady Mary Grey.
How was the succession issue resolved towards the end of Elizabeth’s reign?
Many contenders died, and James VI of Scotland became a suitable option, though Elizabeth refused to name him publicly.
How much control did Elizabeth have over when and how Parliament met?
Monarchs decided when Parliament met and for how long; Elizabeth called 13 sessions during her reign.
How did Elizabeth manage Parliament’s influence?
She used charm to persuade MPs, attended sessions in person, made persuasive speeches, appointed a controlled Speaker, and used her veto power.
How often did Elizabeth ask Parliament for taxes, and why?
11 out of 13 sessions, mainly to fund wars and armies, such as the army for Ireland in 1581.
