Elizabethan England

1558

Elizabeth becomes queen

1559

Religious settlement (Act of Supremacy and Act of uniformity)

1569

revolt of the northern earls: against Elizabeth's rule, aiming to depose her and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots.

1571

ridolfi plot: an attempt to assassinate Elizabeth I and place Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne.

1586

Babington Plot: to assassinate Elizabeth I and facilitate the invasion of England by Spanish forces, ultimately leading to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.

1587

Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots: following her involvement in plots against Elizabeth I. This act eliminated a significant Catholic rival and intensified tensions with Spain.

1588

Spanish Armada: a fleet sent by King Philip II of Spain to invade England, ultimately defeated by the English Navy, marking a turning point in naval warfare.

Poor Laws

1597-1598: Legislation in Elizabethan England aimed at providing relief for the poor and regulating their support, laying the groundwork for future welfare systems.

Education

Education opportunities grew for boys and some girls during Elizabethan England, with an emphasis on grammar schools and classical learning, reflecting the era's cultural advancements.

Theatres

Cultural centers for drama and performance in Elizabethan England, featuring works from playwrights such as William Shakespeare. They played a crucial role in the entertainment and social life of the period, despite puritans disapproving of them.

1587 (Drake)

Attack on Cadiz (singeing of the King of Spain’s beard) - Drake attacked ships in the Spanish port of Cadiz and humiliated him by setting back the Spanish Armada.

Mary Queen of Scots - 1568-1567

Fled to England after being forced to abdicate the Scottish throne, where she became a prisoner of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. Her presence in England sparked political and religious tensions between Protestant England and Catholic Scotland.

Mary Queen of Scots - Threat to Elizabeth

Catholic figurehead - many Catholics believed Eliz to be illegitimate.

1586 - Mary Queen of Scots

Babington Plot - Mary was involved as she wanted to be on the throne.

1587 - Mary Queen of Scots

Mary’s execution.

Francis Walsingham’s role

He was Elizabeth’s spymaster - used networks of spies all over England and abroad to uncover plots made against her.

1586 - Francis Walsingham

He discovered the Babington plot by interpreting coded letters that were being sent to Mary Queen of Scots.

Francis Walsingham - Methods

Torture, Intercepting letters, double agents.

Francis Walsingham - Impact

Prevented assassination plots and helped to maintain Elizabeth’s power.

Francis Drake: 1577-1580

He circumnavigated the globe - was the first Englishman to do so.

Francis Drake: Significance

Boosted English prestige and weakened Spanish dominance.

Francis Drake: Actions

Attacked Spanish ports and ships, captured gold and treasure.

Francis Drake: Elizabeth’s reaction

She knighted him on the Golden Hind - angered Spain, as they viewed him as a pirate and a thief.

Piracy: Privateers

Government-authorised pirates (eg. Drake)

Piracy: Motivation

Wealth from attacking Spanish treasure ships.

Piracy: Spain’s view

Considered them criminals, increased tensions between Spain and England

Leisure: Theatre

Grew massively - eg, Shakespeare’s plays and the introduction of the Globe Theatre in 1599.

Leisure: Music/Dancing

Popular across classes, especially during festivals.

Leisure: Blood sports.

bear baiting, cockfighting popular, but controversial.

1566-1568

Dutch Revolt: War between the Netherlands and Spain

Dutch revolt: Protestant link

Elizabeth supported the Dutch protestants by sending them financial aid - this angered Phillip when he found out

1845

Treaty of Nonsuch - Elizabeth officially aids Dutch Rebels.

Dutch Revolt: Significance.

Increased tension with Spain - led to the Spanish Armada in 1588.

1570

Elizabeth excommunicated from the church