Were the Catholics a threat?

Question 1

1. Start of reign: opposition from…

Answer 1

Marian Bishops in HOL, but this was overcome quickly

Question 2

Pope’s…

Answer 2

attitude & excommunication in 1570

Question 3

Allegiance to Pope meant lack of allegiance to Eliza…`

Answer 3

BUT: whilst most desired a more Catholic settlement, were not inclined to outright rebellion.
Attacks against Eliza did not gain the support from Eng Catholics she feared.

ALSO: little increase in recusancy

Question 4

Risk of Scottish regent…

Answer 4

Acting w French against Eliza.

BUT: Treaty of Edinburgh 1560 neutralised this & internal religious wars in France from 1562 - 1598 meant French concerns were focused on France, not elsewhere

Question 5

Figurehead in…

Answer 5

MQOS from 1568. Resulted in various plots & rebellions.

• REVOLT OF THE NORTHERN EARLS (only serious uprising, and was almost accidental)
• Ridolfi 71

Execution of MQOS gave Spain an excuse to attack England

Question 6

Threat of MQOS

Answer 6

increased tensions between Eliza and her Privy Council.
Eliza introduces harsher legislation to deal w Catholic threat - this itself was a threat to the religious settlement which aimed for maximum inclusion & conformity

Question 7

1571 Acts…

Answer 7

failed to end attacks against Eliza / attempts to maintain Catholicism

e.g. William Allen established Douai seminary to train missionary priests.

Throckmorton / Babington Plots

Question 8

Spanish support for attacks on Eliza

Answer 8

Philip 2 controlled Netherlands - ideal place to launch attack on Eng.

• Used his power to pressure the Pope
• Supported outright rebellion in Throckmorton Plot
• Launched full scale attack in 1588

Question 9

Potential Catholic

Answer 9

Long feared. But increased after: TREATY OF JOINVILLE 1585 - French Catholic League & Spain

+ assassination of William of Orange

pushed Eliza into supporting rebels in Spain. Resulted in war with Spain 1588-1604

BUT: armada unsuccessful. Propaganda opportunity for Eliza to reaffirm her nature as the rightful heir to the throne

Question 10

Threat greatest in…

Answer 10

1580s: abroad & at home

Jesuits arrived. BUT their pro-Spanish & hardline policies alienated many English secular priests.

Most Catholic nobles/gentry felt political loyalty to their Queen - evident in the Appellant / Jesuit controversy