The early rule of Queen Elizabeth I

Question 1

What were the problems Elizabeth inherited?

Answer 1

Elizabeth’s sister, Mary, had left debts of £250,000.

Religious conflict was a major issue. Elizabeth’s father, Henry VIII, had broken away from the Roman Catholic Church and started his own church of England. Her brother, Edward, had started to establish a Protestant Church during his short reign only for it to be taken apart when Elizabeth’s sister, Mary, came to the throne. She restored the Pope and made England a Catholic country again. Elizabeth now had to settle the situation, maintaining security and establishing an agreement that would keep her people content.

Question 2

What was the role of the privy council?

Answer 2

The Privy Council were a group of powerful
noblemen
appointed by Elizabeth. They advised Elizabeth but did not control her.
Elizabeth chose a small group of 19 men to minimise conflict between them, but she also had to make sure no one member got too powerful or became disloyal.
The council met every day and was the most powerful part of the machinery of the government.
They advised on domestic and foreign issues such as how to handle challenges and threats, when to go to war, relations with foreign ambassadors, and supervising the enforcement of the Religious Settlement.

Question 3

What was the advantage of Elizabeth not beinng married?

Answer 3

Staying single meant that Elizabeth could keep sole control of English affairs, namely government and religion. Elizabeth had a range of suitors from different countries. Her refusal to choose between them allowed her to keep her options open in foreign affairs
, whilst at the same time this enabled her to play countries off against each other making her a strong negotiator. She remained the focus of all power since there was no apparent successor.

Question 4

What was the disadvantage of elizabeth not being married?

Answer 4

Ongoing uncertainty over who would inherit the throne had the potential to lead to plots and attacks to overthrow Elizabeth. For example plots from foreign,
Catholic powers, such as Mary, Queen of Scots. The Privy Councillors and MPs were frustrated because the succession wasn’t settled and they felt this made the country vulnerable.

Question 5

What was the act of supremacy?

Answer 5

This made Elizabeth the Supreme Governor of the Church, taking power away from the Catholic Pope in Rome. Her father, Henry VIII, had done the same in his reign, but called himself the Head of the Church, so Elizabeth’s title as Governor implied she would not be so dictatorial and would be more tolerant. This appeased Catholics and Puritans who were uncomfortable with the monarch as head of religion as well as head of state.