Elizabethan Era Plots Flashcards

Flashcards covering the Ridolfi, Throckmorton, and Babington Plots during Elizabeth I's reign.

Who was Ridolfi?

A spy sent by the Pope who arranged a plot to murder Elizabeth, launch a Spanish invasion, and put Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne in 1571.

What was the aim of the Ridolfi Plot?

To murder Elizabeth I, launch a Spanish invasion, and put Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne.

Who uncovered the Ridolfi Plot?

Sir William Cecil

What was the significance of the Ridolfi Plot?

The Ridolfi plot reinforced the threat posed by Mary and Catholics, both at home and abroad. It also reinforced the threat to England from Spain, which led Elizabeth to focus on improving relations with France.

What was the Throckmorton Plot?

A plot involving the French Duke of Guise invading England to free Mary, overthrow Elizabeth, and restore Catholicism, with Philip II providing financial support.

Who uncovered the Throckmorton Plot?

Sir Francis Walsingham

What was the significance of the Throckmorton Plot?

Life became harder for Catholics, and many fled England or were imprisoned due to a deserved fear of English Catholics.

What was the Babington Plot?

Focused on the murder of Elizabeth I, encouraging English Catholics to rebel, and a planned invasion by the Duke of Guise to put Mary on the throne.

Who intercepted Mary, Queen of Scots' letters in the Babington Plot?

Sir Francis Walsingham

What was the significance of the Babington Plot?

Relations between England and Spain had broken down, Elizabeth’s government became determined to crush Catholicism. Mary’s execution ended any hope of replacing Elizabeth with a Catholic heir.