Elizabeathan England: Queen, Government and Religion (1558-1569)

Elizabeth's problems in 1558 ; Changing Religion ; Puritan Challenge ; Mary Queen of Scots ; Foreign Threats ; Religious Threats

What were the 6 main threats Elizabeth faced when she became Queen?

1. She was seen as Illegitimate

2. Patriarchal society where she was a Woman

3. She was expected to Marry and produce an Heir

4. Weak English Economy

5. France & Spain

6. French threat in Scotland

When did Elizabeth become Queen?

1558

Why did Henry VIII’s divorce caused Elizabeth problems?

• Catholics saw her as illegitimate since divorce was forbidden

• When Henry VIII executed Anne Boleyn he declared Elizabeth I illegitimate — though he later changed his mind, Protestants still questioned

Why did gender cause Elizabeth problems?

• Most believed the monarch should be a man — Mary Tudor’s chaotic + violent rule reinforced this belief

• Most expected Elizabeth to act as a figure head + let her male counsellors / (future) husband take control — Elizabeth was determined to rule by herself

Why did Marriage cause Elizabeth problems?

• Pressure for Elizabeth to find a husband who could rule for her — however Elizabeth was reluctant since she would lose her power + freedom

• If Elizabeth died without an heir there would be a risk of civil war

Why did the English Economy cause Elizabeth problems?

• Under Edward VI and Mary I lots of money had been spent on wars so Elizabeth inherited large debts

• Mary Tudor sold land to pay off debts reducing the monarch’s rent income

• Inflation

Why did France cause Elizabeth problems?

• Mary Tudor’s war with France was unsuccessful

• The French conquered Calais (the last English territory on mainland Europe) increasing the risk of French invasion

Why did Scotland cause Elizabeth problems?

• Mary Queen of Scots increased the risk of French invasion

• Scottish Protestants rebelled and England helped with ships and troops

• French were defeated — reducing the threat of invasion

What were the 2 main acts of the Religious Settlement (and when was it created)

Act of Supremacy

Act of Uniformity

1559

What was the Act of Supremacy?

• Gave Elizabeth control of the church

• Changed her title from “Supreme Head (of the Church of England)” to “Supreme Governor (of the English Church)”

• Made the Oath of Supremacy where churchmen had to swear their loyalty to her — most Catholic bishops refused to take the Oath and were replaced by Protestant bishops

What were the 3 main reforms in the Act of Uniformity?

• Going to Church was compulsory with recusancy fines (for skipping them)

• New Book of Common Prayer

• All parishes needed an English Bible

What were the 2 main concessions in the Act of Uniformity?

• The wording of the communion service was deliberately vague

• Churches were allowed to keep some decorations + Priests had to wear certain Catholic vestments (which Puritans did not like)

What was the Vestment Controversy?

• Puritan priests reufsed to wear the Catholic Vestments (made compulsory in the Act of Uniformity)

• Elizabeth ordered the Archbishop of Canterbury to ensure all preists wore the vestments — those who didn’t lost their jobs / were imprisoned