General Crisis in Government (Section C): FACTIONAL STRUGGLES

faction

A small organised dissenting group within a larger one, especially in politics.

issues causing faction in the Tudor court

Religion, Marriage and Succession, Rivalry over positions at court, Foreign Policy (e.g. war with Spain).

Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex

Held positions of Master of the Horse and Privy Councillor.

Robert Dudley's influence on Devereux

Robert Dudley, Devereux's stepfather, played a significant role in shaping his career, including introducing him to military service and court life.

Devereux's familial connection to Queen Elizabeth I

Robert Devereux's maternal great-grandmother, Mary Boleyn, was the sister of Anne Boleyn, making him a distant relative of Queen Elizabeth I.

How Devereux gained prominence

He gained prominence through military service in the Netherlands under the guidance of his stepfather, Robert Dudley.

Devereux's personality and Queen Elizabeth I

His charm and ambition helped him rise at court and become a favorite of the queen, but his impulsive nature and political ambitions often led to conflicts with her and her advisors.

notable military campaigns Devereux participated in

He was involved in the Dutch Revolt, Spanish Armada and Capture of Cadiz.

Robert Devereux's career characteristics

His career was characterized by political ambition and controversy.

Cause of Devereux's house arrest

His unsuccessful campaign in Ireland during the Nine Years' War led to his house arrest.

Devereux's marriage without Queen Elizabeth's consent

Yes, he secretly married Frances Walsingham, the widow of Sir Philip Sidney, fearing the queen's disapproval.

Queen Elizabeth's reaction to Devereux's marriage

When she found out, she was displeased and saw the secrecy as a betrayal of her trust.

the Essex Rebellion

In 1601, Robert Devereux attempted a coup against Queen Elizabeth's government, known as the Essex Rebellion. This ultimately led to his execution for treason.

Robert Cecil

Robert Cecil was the son of William Cecil, who served as Elizabeth's chief minister.

Cecil's political career

He followed in his father's footsteps becoming one of the most powerful figures in Elizabethan and Jacobean politics.

Cecil's key positions

He has several key positions, including Secretary of State (following the death of Walsingham; he assumed office in 1596).

Cecil's role as Secretary of State

As Secretary of State, he was instrumental in the day to day affairs of government, working to maintain stability during times of economic and political crisis, including ongoing war with Spain.

Cecil's involvement in intelligence

Cecil was deeply involved in Elizabethan intelligence networks, continuing the work of his predecessor, Francis Walsingham.

Cecil's discovery

He uncovered the Essex Rebellion.

Cecil's role in power transition

He played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth transition of power from Elizabeth I to James I.

Robert Cecil's father

William Cecil, who served as Queen Elizabeth I's chief minister.

Significance of Robert Cecil in politics

He followed in his father's footsteps, becoming one of the most powerful figures in Elizabethan and Jacobean politics.

Key positions held by Robert Cecil

Cecil held several important positions, including Secretary of State, a role he assumed in 1596 following the death of Francis Walsingham.

Robert Cecil's contribution to government stability

He worked tirelessly to maintain stability during times of economic and political crises, including the ongoing war with Spain.

Robert Cecil's role in intelligence networks

Cecil was deeply involved in intelligence networks, continuing the work of his predecessor Francis Walsingham.

Cecil's role in transition of power

He played a pivotal role in securing a smooth transition of power from Elizabeth I to James I through careful planning and negotiation.

Criticism faced by Robert Cecil

Cecil was criticised for his physical appearance due to scoliosis and was nicknamed 'my pygmy' by Elizabeth I.

Cecil's overcoming of criticism

His intellect and strategic thinking earned him respect and influence at court.

Entry into politics

Entered politics in the 1580s, serving in the House of Commons and undertaking various diplomatic missions.

Elizabeth's childlessness problem for councillors

Because she refused to name her successor.

Rumours regarding the succession

That she had nominated James VI of Scotland on her deathbed.

Decision of succession authority

The Privy Council.

Candidates to the throne

James VI, Arabella Stuart, Edward Seymour, and the Infanta Isabella.

Problems regarding James VI's inheritance

- Henry's will demoted the claim of the Stuart heirs - James' mother Mary Queen of Scots had been executed for treason - He was a Scottish foreigner.

Support for James VI

James VI of Scotland was supported by both the Essex and Cecil faction.

Religious reason for supporting James' inheritance

James was Protestant, which for the Protestants in England meant he seemed the best candidate to protect their interests.

Validity of Henry VIII's will

It had been stamped with the dry stamp, not signed by the king in person.

Reasons for and against Arabella Stuart's candidacy

- She was descended from Margaret Tudor and had been brought up in England. - The Cecils seemed to have favoured her cousin James and she was passed over, perhaps because she had Catholic sympathies.

Edward Seymour's claim security

His claim was not secure because his mother had married without Elizabeth's permission and her marriage had been annulled, making Seymour technically illegitimate.

Cecils' appeal for Edward Seymour's accession

The accession of an adult male member of the English nobility might not have appealed to the Cecils, as this could have led to rival factions and jealousy.

Weakness of Infanta Isabella's claim

She was a Spanish princess and the daughter of Phillip II. Her claim to the English throne was a very distant one and her only real supporters were the Jesuit princes in England.

Moderate English Catholics

Did not support her claim because they hoped to get more religious toleration by accepting a Protestant monarch.

Essex and Lord Mountjoy correspondence (1599-1600)

Both were in secret correspondence with James.

Mountjoy's suggestion to James

He should raise troops in Scotland and demand Elizabeth name him as heir.

Essex's complaint to James (1600)

Complained about the reigning faction - the Cecilians, accusing them of supporting the Infanta not James.

James's response to the letters

Responded cautiously, not committing to Mountjoy and sent two ambassadors south to speak to Essex.

Outcome of the ambassadors' visit to London

They discovered that Essex had been executed and he began negotiations with Cecil instead.

Cecil's support for James' succession

Supported James' succession to secure his own political future but could not do this publicly.

Reason for Cecil's public restraint

Because Elizabeth would not commit herself, Cecil could not openly support James either without risking the queen's anger.

Succession and factional struggle

Elizabeth's refusal to name a specific successor meant the struggle between Cecil and Essex for influence at court was partly a struggle to guide the succession.

Civil war uncertainty

There was uncertainty over whether the succession would lead to civil war due to a clash between the supporters of rival claimants.

Assumed invasion by Philip

It was widely assumed Philip was to invade England and arrange the succession of the Infanta Isabella.

War with Spain and Ireland

Needed to be fought in a way that it wouldn't alienate James.

Hacket's riot (1591)

Started a riot against Elizabeth, proclaimed he was the messenger and king of England, charged with trying to overthrow the Queen.

Lopez Plot (1594)

Elizabeth's physician was found guilty of trying to poison the Queen, having supposedly plotted with Phillip II.

Edward Squire's assassination attempt

Attempted to assassinate Elizabeth after being converted by Jesuits and attempted to murder her by rubbing poison on to her saddle.

Catholic literature on succession

Talked about James' right to succeed the throne, e.g., A Conference About the Next Succession to the Crown of England argued in favour of elective monarchy.

Protestant writers on succession

Argued that the divine right of kings was hereditary.

Unsettled succession and republican ideas

Encouraged republican ideas arguing that there were forms of government better at protecting liberty.

Aragonese revolt (1592)

Led to republican ideas entering English political discussion.

Destabilizing effect of succession issue

Led to increased tensions between the Cecil and Essexian factions in government.

Factions undermining government

Each went behind Elizabeth's back, undermining the very nature of government to establish James as the next ruler.

Faction before 1589

Elizabeth's court and Council had been relatively free of faction.

Events leading to instability (1588-1591)

Many of Elizabeth's trusted advisers and courtiers who had served since the beginning died.

Key deaths between 1588 and 1591

Earl of Leicester in 1588, Mildmay in 1589, Walsingham in 1590, and Hatton in 1591.

Remaining councillor by 1589

Of the older generation of councillors, only William Cecil was left, and he was ageing and in increasingly poor health; he died in August 1598.

Power vacuum

The death of older generations of councillors left a power vacuum that needed to be filled.

Faction after 1589

The old generation were replaced with an ambitious new group of courtiers who did not always possess the same sense of loyalty to and understanding of the queen as the generation who had grown up with her.

Elizabeth's age by 1589

Mid 50s.

Succession issue

As Elizabeth had remained unmarried and childless, the issue of who would succeed her became increasingly prominent in court politics.

Elizabeth's refusal to name a successor

Elizabeth refused to name a successor even on her deathbed for fear of this person becoming a figurehead for plots.

Rivalry over succession

Securing the succession for 'their' candidate became a source of rivalry between factions as it was a way to ensure continuing power after Elizabeth's death.

Division over war with Spain

Factions were divided over what tactics to follow and whether to continue fighting.

Importance of access to the queen

Access to the queen was vital in the faction leaders' attempts to get key appointments for followers.

Impact of Elizabeth's cautiousness on faction

It meant she was often reluctant to commit herself to either faction, which only led to more pressure being applied by those who wanted her favour and patronage.

Leaders of the two factions in the 1590s

Robert Cecil and Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex.

Aims of the Cecil faction

Cecil sought to secure his position as Elizabeth's chief minister and enhance his own standing with James VI of Scotland, wanting a cautious defensive war against Spain.

Aims of the Essex faction

Offensive war against Spain in support of Protestant interests abroad; tried to court popular opinion as the man of the people.

Elizabeth's control over Cecil

Elizabeth promoted Cecil out of respect for his father, but left the position of secretary vacant until 1596 when he finally achieved his aim.

Elizabeth's control over Essex

Elizabeth kept Essex under close control; he was reliant on the queen for enough patronage to support himself and his followers.

Elizabeth's strategy for controlling factions

She attempted to follow a strategy of balancing the views of her Council by appointing men with differences of opinion.

Factions increasing support

Members of the nobility and gentry who wanted career advancement attempted to seek support of Cecil or Essex as patrons.

Cecil and Essex competition

Cecil competed with Essex for power, influence and access to patronage.

Essex's Support Strategy

Essex was able to attract some noble support and the talent of the Bacon brothers, but he lacked supporters in influential parts of government in comparison to the Cecils.

Cecil's Support Strategy

Cecil built up power more effectively because William Cecil monopolised so many positions in government.

Cecil's Influence

The Cecils used their influence to gain supporters in both the Council and in the positions of the Council of the North.

Profile of Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex

Earl of Leicester's stepson; vain, impatient, high spirited; enjoyed duelling; popular at Court; aspired to his stepfather's role as a great military leader.

Profile of Robert Cecil

Careful, astute, kind; fond for corresponding in code; mocked for his appearance but was extremely intelligent; 2nd son of William Cecil; aspired to his father's role of statesman and political leader.

Elizabeth's Relationship with Essex

Charmed the queen; she was flattered; loved him as a son.

Elizabeth's Relationship with Cecil

Elizabeth called him her elf or pygmy; respected his political instincts but was wary of him and couldn't trust him in the way she trusted William.

Death of William Cecil, Lord Burghley

Trusted him more than anyone else; key figure in admin in England; torn between the agony of losing an advisor and friend; he was like a father to her - a guiding hand throughout her reign.

Expedition to Cadiz in 1596

Decided to send a ship to Cadiz to destroy the new Armada at port; Cecil was confirmed as Elizabeth's chief secretary on the day the ship sailed; 120 Elizabethan ships attacked Cadiz; the town was captured and looted.

Essex's Victory at Cadiz

Cadiz was Essex's victory and the congregation burst into spontaneous applause at mass when the preacher praised him.

Negative Effects of Essex's Success

He was now Elizabeth's rival in popular affection which her reign relied upon; Essex's ambition and vanity got the better of him and he commissioned an engraving of himself appearing as an emperor.

Similarities of Richard II and Faction Fighting

Dealt with the making and unmaking of a King; discussed the idea of succession which was widely debated throughout faction; Elizabeth identified herself passionately with the deposed King.

Events in Ireland in the 1590s

In August 1598 Irish rebels attacked English soldiers and 1200 men lay dead or dying; it was the worst military defeat of Elizabeth's reign.

Essex's Campaign in Ireland from Spring 1599

Largest army in her reign was taken; knighted 38 of his captains despite the Queen's orders; Essex did not meet his enemy in battle and instead talked for half an hour.

Essex's Financial Losses in Ireland

Essex had spent £300,000 and had lost men to illness.

Cecil's Actions on Succession Issue

Robert Cecil began a secret correspondence with James, with plans of ensuring his own continuance of office.

James as Heir

James was the perfect heir with two sons, Protestant belief and experience as a ruler.