Elizabeth I

When was Elizabeth I born and who were her parents?

Elizabeth I was born on 7 September 1533, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.

What event initially disputed Elizabeth I's legitimacy?

Her legitimacy was disputed due to her mother's execution in 1536.

How did Elizabeth I secure her claim to the throne?

She was restored to the line of succession by Henry VIII's will (1546) and ascended the throne on 17 November 1558.

What challenges did Elizabeth I face upon ascending the throne?

She inherited a financially strained kingdom that was religiously divided and politically precarious.

What was the Elizabethan Religious Settlement?

A central policy of Elizabeth I's reign that included the Act of Supremacy and the Act of Uniformity, establishing moderate Protestant worship.

What was the significance of Elizabeth I's coronation on 15 January 1559?

It was widely celebrated and signified stability and continuity of Tudor rule.

What was the Northern Rebellion (1569) about?

Catholic nobles sought to replace Elizabeth with Mary, Queen of Scots, and restore Catholicism.

What was the outcome of the Northern Rebellion?

The rebellion was crushed by the royal army, and its leaders were executed.

What were the Ridolfi, Throckmorton, and Babington plots?

Conspiracies involving Mary, Queen of Scots, to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne, all foiled by intelligence efforts.

What was the significance of the Spanish Armada in 1588?

The Spanish Armada was defeated, enhancing England's naval reputation and solidifying Elizabeth's authority.

Who were key advisors in Elizabeth I's government?

William Cecil (Lord Burghley) and Francis Walsingham were notable advisors.

What was Elizabeth I's approach to Parliament?

She used Parliament cautiously, controlling discussions and preventing challenges to her authority.

What economic policies did Elizabeth I implement?

She avoided expensive wars, managed crown lands carefully, and encouraged trade and exploration.

How did Elizabeth I's foreign policy balance power?

She managed alliances and threats among France, Spain, and the Dutch provinces, maintaining peace through diplomacy.

What was Elizabeth I's religious policy towards Catholics?

She enforced outward conformity to the Church of England but initially avoided harsh persecution of Catholics.

What were some strengths of Elizabeth I's reign?

Her exceptional political skill, effective balance of religious divisions, and ability to maintain personal authority for over 44 years.

What weaknesses did Elizabeth I have?

She avoided marriage and heirs, creating succession uncertainties, and relied heavily on ministers like Cecil.

What legacy did Elizabeth I leave behind?

She secured Protestant England, defeated the Spanish Armada, and laid the foundations for overseas expansion and the Elizabethan Golden Age.

What was the cultural impact of Elizabeth I's patronage?

Her patronage of arts, literature, and education contributed to the flourishing of the Elizabethan cultural era.

What title is often associated with Elizabeth I?

She is famously known as the 'Virgin Queen.'

How did Elizabeth I's reign affect England's national identity?

Her reign helped establish a strong national identity and stability for her successor, James I.