Challenges to Elizabeth I's Succession in Europe (Foreign Powers)

Q: Why was England considered weak in 1558?

England had suffered multiple military defeats against France, Spain, and Scotland. By 1558, England had lost most of its French territories, only retaining Calais, which was later lost.

Q: How did England’s loss of Calais in 1558 affect Elizabeth’s rule?

The loss of Calais was a **major humiliation** for England, reducing its influence in Europe. It was England’s **last French territory** and a key **military base**. Losing Calais also harmed trade, as English merchants relied on Antwerp, which was controlled by Spain.

Q: Why was Spain a threat to Elizabeth I?

Spain was the most powerful Catholic country in Europe, ruled by **Philip II**, with a vast empire and wealth. Elizabeth’s Protestant rule threatened England’s past alliance with Catholic Spain.

Q: How did religion increase tensions between England and Spain?

Under **Mary I**, England had converted back to **Catholicism** and allied with Spain. Elizabeth’s Protestant rule **broke this alliance**, making Spain an enemy.

Q: Why was Scotland a threat to England in 1558?

Scotland was a **separate country** with its own monarchy and had a long history of conflict with England. Its alliance with **France (Auld Alliance)** meant France could invade England through Scotland.

Q: What was the Auld Alliance?

The*Auld Alliance was a treaty between **France and Scotland dating back to 1295, allowing France to use Scottish forces to attack England.

Q: Why was France a major threat to Elizabeth?

France was wealthier than England and had a larger population. If war broke out, England would likely lose due to its weaker economy and military.

Q: How did Mary, Queen of Scots, challenge Elizabeth’s rule?

Mary claimed she was the legitimate queen of England, as many Catholics saw Elizabeth as illegitimate. She was a Catholic and had a strong claim to the English throne through her relation to Henry VII.

Q: How did Mary, Queen of Scots, increase the French threat to England?

In 1559, Mary married **Francis II, the King of France, making her Queen of both Scotland and France. The powerful **Guise family in France supported her claim to England.

Q: How did Mary of Guise strengthen Scotland’s position?

Mary of Guise, Mary’s mother, ruled Scotland in her place and stationed French troops in Scotland, making the northern border difficult for England to defend.

Q: Why was Elizabeth’s rejection of Philip II’s marriage proposal important?

Elizabeth rejected Philip II of Spain's proposal, ending England’s alliance with Spain and increasing hostility between the two nations.

Q: Why was a potential France Spain alliance dangerous for England?

Both were powerful Catholic countries that opposed Protestantism. If they united, they could invade England andreplace Elizabeth with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Q: Why did France and Spain oppose Protestantism?

Protestantism weakened the power of Catholic rulers and challenged the authority of the Pope. Both France and Spain wanted the Pope’s support for their rule.

Q: How did France and Spain’s shared religion pose a threat to Elizabeth?

They were both Catholic countries with a common enemy: Protestant England. If they united, they could launch a coordinated invasion from the north (France through Scotland) and the south (Spain with its navy).

Q: Why was England financially unprepared for war in 1558?

England was £300,000 in debt and could not afford to raise a large army to defend itself against possible attacks from France and Spain.

Q: Why was Elizabeth’s position vulnerable in 1558?

She was seen as an illegitimate Protestant queen ruling a financially weak England, surrounded by powerful Catholic enemies.

Q: What were France and Spain’s main motivations for removing Elizabeth?

They wanted to restore Catholic rule in England, gain the Pope’s support, and stop the spread of Protestantism in Europe.

Q: How did England’s weak economy increase the foreign threat?

Unlike Spain, which had wealth from its New World empire, England had **little money** and struggled to fund its military and navy.

Q: What was Elizabeth’s biggest fear regarding France and Spain?

That they would set aside their rivalry and unite against her, using their combined wealth and military strength to invade England.