Problems facing Elizabeth 1559

Elizabeth I

Queen of England from 1558 to 1603, known for her strong rule and the establishment of Protestantism in England.

Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis

The peace treaty signed in January 1559, ending the war between England and France.

Calais

A port city lost by England to France in 1558, significant for its military and economic implications.

Privy Council

The body of advisors chosen by Elizabeth to assist in governance; crucial for effective rule.

Religious Settlement

A compromise designed by Elizabeth to unify Catholics and Protestants under a common church with both traditions represented.

'via media'

A middle way identified by Elizabeth in her Religious Settlement between Catholicism and Protestantism.

William Cecil

A key adviser to Elizabeth, appointed as Secretary of State, instrumental in her early government.

Financial Reforms

Changes made by Elizabeth to improve the financial conditions of the Crown, including reducing expenses and increasing income.

Inflation

The economic condition that weakened the purchasing power of money and affected land owners, including the monarchy.

Mary Stuart

Cousin to Elizabeth, known as Mary, Queen of Scots, considered by many Catholics as the legitimate heir to the English throne.

Civil War

Potential conflict that could arise due to succession issues if Elizabeth failed to provide a clear heir.

Protestant Church of England

Established by Elizabeth as a result of the Religious Settlement, representing a significant shift away from Catholicism.

Spanish Empire

A vast empire encompassing territories in Europe and the Americas, posing a threat to Elizabeth’s reign.

Military Preparedness

The prioritization of resources by Elizabeth to defend England against potential invasions.

Succession Crisis

The potential instability that would occur should Elizabeth die without an heir.

Economic Stability

The overall condition that Elizabeth sought to maintain, crucial for reducing the likelihood of rebellions.

Catholic Church

The religious institution that Elizabeth considered in relation to her own plans for religious governance in England.

Political Alliances

Relationships and agreements that Elizabeth navigated, particularly considering marriage and diplomatic ties with foreign powers.

Renaissance

A cultural movement in Europe (14th-17th centuries) that emphasized humanism, art, and science.

Industrial Revolution

The period of major industrialization in the late 18th and early 19th centuries that transformed economies and societies.

World War I

A global conflict from 1914 to 1918, primarily involving Europe, also known as the Great War.

World War II

A global conflict from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations, resulting in significant geopolitical changes.

Cold War

The geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States post-World War II, characterized by political and military rivalry.

American Revolution

The conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen American colonies (1775-1783) that led to the founding of the United States.

French Revolution

A period of radical social and political change in France (1789-1799) that had lasting impacts on French and global history.

Ancient Egypt

A civilization known for its remarkable achievements in architecture, writing, and governance, flourishing along the Nile River.

Medieval Period

The time in European history from the 5th to the late 15th century, marked by the rise of feudalism and the church's influence.

Age of Enlightenment

An intellectual movement in the 17th and 18th centuries advocating reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.