Elizabethan England

Who was Elizabeth I?

The last monarch of the Tudor dynasty who ruled from 1558 to 1603.

What is the significance of the Spanish Armada?

In 1588, the Spanish Armada was defeated, marking a turning point in English naval power.

What were the major features of Elizabethan society?

Hierarchical structure, with a focus on nobility, growing merchant class, and a peasantry.

What role did the Church of England play?

It was strengthened under Elizabeth, serving as a compromise between Catholic and Protestant factions.

What was the Elizabethan Poor Law?

A series of laws aimed at providing aid to the poor, including the establishment of almshouses.

What did the Act of Supremacy (1559) establish?

It declared Elizabeth as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.

Who was Francis Drake?

A notable English sea captain and privateer, known for circumnavigating the globe.

What was the significance of the Globe Theatre?

An iconic venue for Elizabethan plays, especially those written by William Shakespeare.

What was 'The Golden Age'?

A period of English cultural flourishing, including literature, music, and drama.

What was the Elizabethan Settlement?

A series of measures that established Protestantism as the main religion in England.

Who were the Puritans?

A group within Protestantism aiming to purify the Church of England from Catholic practices.

What was the significance of the East India Company?

Founded in 1600, it marked the beginning of British trade expansion in Asia.

What were the key discoveries during this period?

Exploration and colonization, including North America and the Caribbean.

What is the significance of Elizabethan theatre?

It revolutionized drama and elevated the status of playwrights and actors.

What was the role of women in Elizabethan society?

Women had limited rights and were often confined to domestic roles.

Who was Walter Raleigh?

An explorer and courtier known for sponsoring the failed Roanoke Colony.

What economic changes occurred in Elizabethan England?

Growing trade, rise of the merchant class, and inflation due to silver influx.

What was the significance of the Night Watches?

The organization of citizen patrols to maintain order and safety in towns.

Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?

A cousin of Elizabeth I whose claim to the English throne posed a threat.

What was the role of the monarchy in Elizabethan England?

Central to governance and political power, embodying national identity.

What were ‘The Privy Council’?

A group advising the monarch, consisting of nobles and high officials.

What was the impact of the printing press?

Facilitated the spread of literature, ideas, and propaganda.

How did Elizabeth I manage her image?

Portrayed as a strong, divine ruler, using art and public appearance.

What was the impact of colonization?

Expanded English influence and established trade networks across the globe.

What was the role of religion in conflicts?

Led to tensions between Catholics and Protestants, impacting governance.

Who were the Jesuits?

A religious group asserting Catholic missionary efforts during Protestant dominance.

What is a significant foreign policy achievement of Elizabeth I?

Fostering alliances through marriage negotiations and diplomatic missions.

What were ‘The Poor Laws’?

Legislation to address poverty, establishing relief for the needy.

Who was Sir Thomas More?

A humanist and author of 'Utopia,' executed before Elizabeth's reign.

What was the significance of the Tudor Rose?

Symbol of the unity between the houses of Lancaster and York.

What was the impact of the Reformation?

Led to the establishment of Protestantism and conflict with Catholicism.

What was the role of the Lord Lieutenant?

Noble appointed by the monarch to oversee military matters in the provinces.

What were the consequences of the Oath of Supremacy?

All subjects had to recognize Elizabeth as the head of the Church.

What was the purpose of the Royal Court?

Served as the center of royal power and political activity.

What were the characteristics of Elizabethan architecture?

Characterized by ornate designs, symmetry, and the use of brick.

What is the significance of the English Renaissance?

A cultural revival leading to advances in arts and science.

Who was Ben Jonson?

A prominent playwright and poet known for his satirical works.

What was the Elizabethan language?

An evolving form of English that included rich vocabulary and expression.

What was the relationship between England and Spain?

Fractious, marked by rivalry, culminating in the Spanish Armada.

What were the social hierarchies in Elizabethan England?

Nobility, gentry, yeomanry, and laborers represented distinct social classes.

What is the significance of The Faerie Queene?

An epic poem by Edmund Spenser celebrating virtues through allegory.

Who was Christopher Marlowe?

A playwright and poet who predated Shakespeare, known for 'Doctor Faustus.'

How did Elizabeth I respond to threats from abroad?

Utilized diplomatic strategies and fostered military readiness.

What role did the English Bill of Rights play?

Laid the foundation for parliamentary sovereignty in the later periods.

What was the significance of the Act of Uniformity (1559)?

Established consistency in Anglican worship and services.

Who was Robert Dudley?

The Earl of Leicester, a favorite of Elizabeth I, rumored to be her suitor.

What cultural shifts occurred in Elizabethan England?

A flourishing of arts, exploration, and the printing of new ideas.

Who were the commonwealthmen?

Political theorists advocating for commonwealth and civic virtue.

What was England's situation facing economic challenges?

Faced issues like inflation and food shortages impacting the populace.

What type of government did Elizabeth I establish?

Constitutional Monarchy with the monarch sharing power with Parliament.

Who was the Earl of Essex?

A favorite of Elizabeth I who led a failed rebellion against her.

What was the significance of 'The Elizabethan Poor Rate'?

System for local taxation to fund poor relief efforts.

What role did exploration play during Elizabeth's reign?

Led to discoveries of new lands and trade routes, enhancing wealth.

What was the significance of the act of Exchange?

Allowed the Crown to seize private property for state purposes.

Who were the thunderers?

Groups of Protestants accusing Catholic Church of corruption.

What was the consequence of Mary Queen of Scots' execution?

Intensified conflict between England and Spain.

How did Elizabethan England affect literature?

Encouraged creativity leading to masterpieces in both poetry and drama.

What was Queen Elizabeth's approach to marriage?

She remained single, using her status as a political strategy.

Who were the English merchants?

Key players in expanding trade with Europe and the New World.

What led to the decline of the noble class?

Economic changes and rise of the gentry class through trade.

What was the role of patronage in arts?

Nobles sponsored artists and playwrights, leading to cultural growth.

What strategies did Elizabeth I use for succession planning?

Promised her subjects stability without endorsing a specific heir.

How did Elizabeth I demonstrate political acumen?

Skillfully handled court politics and foreign relations.

What were the contributions of Sir Francis Walsingham?

Spymaster who secured intelligence and foiled plots against Elizabeth.

What was the importance of the Book of Common Prayer?

Standardized Anglican worship, reinforcing Protestant identity.

What events showcased Elizabethan military successes?

Defeating the Spanish Armada and defending the realm from invasions.

What was the role of education in society?

Grew in importance, especially among the gentry and merchant classes.

How did Elizabeth I use art as a political tool?

Commissioned portraits to convey power and divine right.

What was the significance of Elizabethan music?

Flourished with the emergence of notable composers and styles.

Who was John Foxe?

An influential Protestant historian known for 'Foxe's Book of Martyrs.'

What happened during the rebellion of the Northern Earls?

A failed attempt to depose Elizabeth in 1569, reflecting religious tensions.

What led to the rise of puritanism in England?

Desire for further religious reform and a return to more simplistic practices.

What was the significance of the marriage negotiations with Spain?

Attempts to secure alliances but ultimately resulted in conflicts.

What impact did Elizabeth's court have on culture?

Became a center for arts, politics, and social gathering.

Who was Thomas Kyd?

A playwright known for influencing Elizabethan drama, especially tragedies.

What was the significance of the Discovery of the New World?

Opened up trade opportunities and encouraged exploration.

What was the role of health and medicine during this period?

Limited, with rudimentary understanding of diseases and treatments.

How were women viewed in Elizabethan literature?

Often idealized or depicted in specific roles such as virtuous or seductive.

What led to the witch hunts in Elizabethan England?

Fear and superstition resulting in trials and executions of accused witches.

What was the contribution of Sir Edward Carne to Elizabethan England?

Influenced civil administration and was a significant diplomat.

What was the fate of Catholics during Elizabeth's reign?

Persecuted as Elizabeth established Protestantism as the state religion.