Elizabethan England

Elizabeth I

Born on September 7, 1533, she was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn and ruled England.

The Tudor Dynasty

Established by Henry VII in 1485, it began with his victory in the War of the Roses.

Political Turmoil

Elizabeth's early life was marked by her mother's execution and her uncertain status as an heir.

Protestant Reformist Ideas

Religious beliefs influenced by Elizabeth's stepmother, Catherine Parr, during her education.

The Royal Court

A center of political power in Elizabethan England, run by the Lord Chamberlain.

Privy Council

A council that coordinated government functions and advised Elizabeth on policies.

William Cecil

A key advisor to Elizabeth, known for his loyalty and political acumen.

Parliament

An institution convened at the monarch's discretion to pass laws and approve taxes.

Protestant Church

Established by Elizabeth in 1559, restoring royal supremacy over the Church of England.

Mary Queen of Scots

A Catholic rival whose presence in England posed a threat to Elizabeth's rule.

Essex's Rebellion

A failed uprising by the Earl of Essex in 1601 that marked a decline in Elizabeth's power.

The Succession Crisis

Concerns regarding Elizabeth's unmarried status and potential heirs for the monarchy.

Printing Press

An invention that revolutionized the dissemination of ideas and literature in Elizabethan England.

Gentry Class

A new social group that emerged, becoming influential during the Elizabethan era.

Statutes of Apparel

Laws enacted in 1574 that regulated clothing based on social rank in Elizabethan society.

The Great Rebuilding

A period of significant country house construction during Elizabeth’s reign.

William Shakespeare

The most renowned playwright of the Elizabethan era, reflecting societal values in his works.

Cult of Elizabeth

A propaganda campaign that emphasized the virtues and power of Elizabeth I.

Poor Laws

Frameworks established to support the poor in Elizabethan England, including Overseers of the Poor.

Economic Pressures

Factors such as inflation and population growth that exacerbated poverty during Elizabeth's reign.

Spanish Armada

A fleet sent by Philip II of Spain in 1588 to invade England, ultimately defeated.

Treason Act

Introduced in 1571, it made denying Elizabeth's supremacy punishable by death.

Jesuit Influence

The presence of Jesuits in England aimed at converting elites posed a threat to Elizabeth.

The Northern Rebellion

A 1569 uprising sparked by Mary Queen of Scots' presence and Catholic sympathizers.

Spanish Relations

Tensions due to religious differences and support for Protestant causes strained relations with Spain.

Hardwick Hall

A prominent architectural example of Elizabethan 'prodigy houses', built by Bess of Hardwick.

Robert Smythson

The architect of Hardwick Hall, reflecting Renaissance design.

The Act of Supremacy

The 1559 act that re-established the Church of England’s independence from Rome.

Thirty-Nine Articles

A document defining the doctrine of the Church of England in 1563.

Recusancy

The refusal to attend Anglican services, considered a punishable offense in Elizabethan England.

The Babington Plot

A conspiracy in 1586 involving Mary Queen of Scots to assassinate Elizabeth.

Edmund Campion

A Jesuit executed in 1581, reflecting the harsh measures against Catholicism.

Francis Drake

A privateer whose exploits against Spain enriched England and bolstered Elizabeth's authority.

Virginia

The name given by Raleigh to the territory in North America, symbolizing Elizabeth's connection to colonies.

Cultural Achievements

The Elizabethan era is known for significant advancements in arts and literature.

Labouring Poor

Approximately half of Tudor families, representing the significant social divide.

Crisis of the 1590s

A period of war, plague, and poverty affecting Elizabeth's government.

Essex's Downfall

Resulted from ambition and banishment, culminating in rebellion against Elizabeth.

Economic Growth

Post-dissolution of monasteries allowing gentry families to acquire wealth and property.

Protestant Reformation

A religious movement in the 16th century that challenged Catholicism and sought reforms.

The English Renaissance

A cultural period marked by a renewed interest in arts, literature, and science.

Patronage System

A system of support that began to collapse with the deaths of key advisors.

Political Isolation

Elizabeth's early life characterized by being often distanced from political power centers.

Political Influence

Access to the Queen was vital for the nobles and advisors at the Royal Court.

Financial Subsidies

Issues with Parliament requesting financial support for Elizabeth's governance.

Social Changes

The Elizabethan Poor Laws and other measures reflected changing attitudes towards poverty.

Cultural Patronage

Wealthy individuals investing in arts and culture, contributing to the era's richness.

Legitimacy

Elizabeth's claim to the throne validated by the tumultuous Acts of Succession.

Marital Proposals

Elizabeth received several marriage offers, which she ultimately rejected due to political reasons.

Succession Concerns

The crisis regarding who would inherit the throne following Elizabeth's reign.

Religious Settlement

Elizabeth's policies aimed at unifying Protestant and Catholic subjects under the Church of England.

Mary Stuart

Mary Queen of Scots, a significant rival in the struggle for the English throne.

The Spanish Threat

Perceived as an imminent danger to Elizabeth's reign, particularly from Philip II.

Patronage and Influence

Many MPs owed their positions to Elizabeth's favor, intertwining power dynamics.

Civil Order

Efforts to tackle social issues, including poverty, during Elizabeth's governance.

Cincinnati Constitution

A misattributed term often confused with Elizabethan governance structures.

Devolution of Power

Parliament’s gradual increase in importance and influence during Elizabeth's rule.

Squandering Resources

Elizabeth's government faced challenges due to economic strains from foreign wars.

Cultural Transformation

The influx of humanist ideas profoundly impacted education and artistic expression.

Divine Right

The belief that monarchs are appointed by God and should wield absolute power.

Michaelmas

An important date in the Elizabethan calendar, often marking seasonal changes.

Court Factions

The competitive alliances and rivalries formed among English nobility at court.

Innovative Theatre Designs

The architectural changes in theatres reflected the popularity of drama in Elizabethan society.

Literature as Propaganda

Authored works that reinforced Elizabeth I's authority and legitimacy.

Tudor Reformations

Efforts to solidify Protestant beliefs within the Church of England.

Crisis Management

Elizabeth's strategies during times of social unrest, war, and famine.

The Religious Compass

Navigating the complexities of religious loyalties in response to state policies.

Garden Etiquette

Cultural norms regarding gardens as symbols of wealth and status in society.

Criminalization of Poverty

Government responses that often penalized the poor rather than addressing root causes.

Renaissance Architecture

The prominent style during Elizabeth's reign, characterized by symmetry and classical influences.

Political Intrigue

The machinations and plots surrounding Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth.

Reformation Impact

The lasting consequences of the Protestant Reformation on English governance.

Court Life

The lifestyle and activities of both nobles and the queen in the royal court.

Civil Servants

Individuals working in various roles within Elizabeth's government framework.

Elizabethan Gender Norms

Cultural expectations regarding women's roles and status during Elizabeth's rule.

Political Maneuvering

Strategies employed by Elizabeth to maintain power amid court factions.

Legacy of Elizabeth

The enduring effect of her rule on future monarchs and English governance.

Elizabeth's Health

Considered better than her predecessors, influencing her ability to rule effectively.

Martial Law

The imposition of military control in times of unrest or rebellion.

Deterrence Strategies

Methods used by Elizabeth to prevent rebellions and maintain order.

Colonial Aspirations

The drive for overseas expansion motivated by trade and resources.

Navigation Innovations

Advancements like astrolabes that improved exploration efforts in the period.

Conflict Resolution

Elizabeth's handling of both foreign affairs and domestic issues with diplomacy.

Censorship Acts

Laws governing the publication and dissemination of literature.

Diplomatic Alliances

Strategic partnerships formed for political stability among European nations.

Religious Conflict

Tensions arising from differing religious beliefs impacting governance.

Elizabethan Values

Societal norms emphasizing public order, loyalty, and virtue.