Early Elizabethan England

What was the social hierarchy in Elizabethan England primarily based on?

The social hierarchy was based on land ownership, with the nobility and gentry at the top, followed by yeomen, tenant farmers, and landless laborers.

Who were yeomen in Elizabethan society?

Yeomen were rich farmers who owned some land and could employ other farmers.

What was the primary role of towns during the Elizabethan era?

Towns served as places of trade and opportunity, housing rich merchants and skilled professionals.

What was the significance of guilds in Elizabethan towns?

Guilds were groups of craftsmen that unionized to protect their economic interests.

What belief justified Elizabeth's rule as monarch?

The belief in Divine Right, which held that her right to rule was granted by God.

What is Tudor Absolutism?

Tudor Absolutism refers to the complete control the monarch had over government decisions.

What was the role of the Privy Council in Elizabeth's government?

The Privy Council advised the queen on decisions, debated national issues, and ensured laws were enforced.

Who was Sir William Cecil in relation to Elizabeth I?

Sir William Cecil was Elizabeth's closest adviser, a member of the gentry, and the Secretary of State.

What were Acts of Parliament?

Acts of Parliament were laws passed by Parliament that could be enforced, unlike the queen's orders.

What was the function of Lord's Lieutenants?

Lord's Lieutenants were appointed to train local militias and enforce government policies in their counties.

What was the role of Justices of the Peace?

Justices of the Peace were large landowners responsible for enforcing social and economic policies.

What concerns were raised about Elizabeth's legitimacy as queen?

Concerns arose because her mother, Anne Boleyn, was not recognized as Henry VIII's legitimate wife by many Catholics.

What financial issue did Elizabeth inherit upon ascending to the throne?

Elizabeth inherited a debt of £300,000 due to costly wars.

What was the religious divide in England during Elizabeth's reign?

Many Catholics did not recognize Elizabeth as the legitimate heir, leading to significant opposition.

Why did Elizabeth choose not to marry?

Elizabeth rejected marriage to maintain her power, fearing a husband would overshadow her rule.

What was the Auld Alliance?

The Auld Alliance was a military and political alliance between France and Scotland.

What was the significance of Calais for England?

Calais was an important military base and trading post for England.

What were the main concerns regarding foreign relations during Elizabeth's reign?

Elizabeth was concerned about Catholic powers in Europe potentially banding together against Protestant England.

What significant event led to England losing control of Calais?

England lost Calais to France under the treaty of Cateau-Cambresis after siding with Spain in a recent war.

What was Elizabeth I's goal regarding Calais?

Regaining control of Calais was a priority for Elizabeth I to rectify the mistake made by Mary I and to enhance her public reputation.

What movement did Martin Luther initiate in 1517?

Martin Luther initiated the English Reformation by writing against the Catholic Church, aiming to purify Christianity.

What was the original belief system associated with Martin Luther called?

The original belief system was called Evangelism, which later became known as Protestantism.

What were the main beliefs of Catholics regarding the Pope?

Catholics believed the Pope is God's representative on earth and the Head of the Church.

How did Protestant beliefs differ from Catholic beliefs regarding priests?

Protestants believed priests are not special and should not wear vestments, while Catholics believed priests are special and should wear vestments.

What was the Catholic view on marriage for priests?

Catholics believed priests must be chaste and cannot marry.

What was the Protestant view on marriage for priests?

Protestants believed priests could marry if they wanted.

What was the purpose of the Act of Supremacy?

The Act of Supremacy declared Elizabeth I as the 'Supreme Governor' of the Church of England, requiring clergy and royal officials to swear allegiance.

What was the significance of the title 'Supreme Governor' in the Act of Supremacy?

The title was chosen to appease Catholics, acknowledging the Pope as the Supreme Head of the Church.

What did the Act of Uniformity dictate regarding church services?

The Act of Uniformity included instructions on church appearances and mandated the use of the Book of Common Prayer in English instead of Latin.

What was the purpose of the Royal Injunctions?

The Royal Injunctions enforced the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity, covering various rules for clergy and church practices.

What was the impact of the religious settlement on clergy oaths?

Out of about 10,000 parishes, around 8,000 clergy swore the oath of allegiance, but only 1 out of 28 bishops did.

What was a recusant?

A recusant was a Catholic who refused to accept Elizabeth's religious settlement.

What was the Puritan challenge to Elizabeth's religious settlement?

Puritans, as extreme Protestants, opposed parts of the settlement that appeased Catholics and sought a purely Protestant religion.

What was the Crucifix Challenge?

Puritans regarded crucifixes as idols and insisted they should be removed from churches.

How did Elizabeth I's religious settlement aim to unite the country?

The settlement sought to compromise between Catholic and Protestant beliefs to gain acceptance from her subjects.

What was the role of the Church of England in enforcing the religious settlement?

The Church of England helped enforce the settlement through Visitations, ensuring clergy took the oath of supremacy and were qualified.

What was the consequence of the first visitations in 1559?

The first visitations resulted in about 400 clergy being dismissed.

What was the purpose of Church courts during Elizabeth's reign?

Church courts dealt with church matters, minor disputes, wills, and inheritance, which many lawyers resented.

What was Elizabeth I's approach to enforcing the religious settlement?

Elizabeth made it clear she did not want the settlement enforced too strongly, leading to a smooth transition in many areas.

What were the three main parts of Elizabeth's religious settlement?

The three parts were the Act of Supremacy, the Act of Uniformity, and the Royal Injunctions.

What was the significance of the Book of Common Prayer in the Act of Uniformity?

The Book of Common Prayer was mandated for use in church services, facilitating a common liturgy in English.

How did the Act of Uniformity accommodate both Catholics and Protestants?

The Act was intentionally written unclearly to allow for different interpretations by Catholics and Protestants.

What was the Puritan stance on crucifixes during Elizabethan times?

Puritans regarded crucifixes as idols and insisted they should be removed.

How did Elizabeth I respond to the Puritan opposition to crucifixes?

Elizabeth insisted on having a crucifix in her Royal Chapel despite Puritan threats to resign.

What was the Vestment Challenge?

It was a controversy regarding the special vestments that priests were required to wear, which many Puritans opposed.

Why did Puritans reject the special vestments for priests?

They did not consider priests special or set apart from ordinary people.

What was the outcome of the Vestment Challenge in 1566?

The majority of clergy followed Elizabeth's rules after the bishop of Canterbury reinforced the Act of Uniformity.

What was the Counter-Reformation?

A campaign launched by the Pope encouraging war against Protestants and discouraging attendance at Church of England services.

How did Elizabeth I handle fines for not attending Church of England services?

She did not enforce these fines strictly, preferring not to put pressure on offenders.

What was the significance of the Northern Earls' rebellion in 1569?

It was a Catholic rebellion aimed at restoring power in court, resulting in the capture and execution of hundreds of rebels.

Which countries were dominant Catholic powers during Elizabeth's reign?

France, Spain, Austria, and Italy.

What was Elizabeth's concern regarding Spain and France?

She feared they might form an alliance to counter the Protestant movement.

What was the outcome of Elizabeth's support for French Protestants in 1562?

The rebellion failed, and Elizabeth's hopes of reclaiming Calais were dashed.

What action did Philip II of Spain take against England in 1563?

He placed a ban on English-made cloth to the Netherlands to curb the influx of Protestants.

What was the Dutch Revolt?

A rebellion against Spanish rule in the Netherlands sparked by the imposition of the Spanish Inquisition.

What was the Council of Troubles?

A council established by the Duke of Alba to enforce Catholicism and obedience in the Netherlands.

What nickname was given to the Council of Troubles, and why?

It was nicknamed the Council of Blood due to the thousands of Protestants killed.

What was the Genoese Loan?

An event where Elizabeth seized gold from Spanish ships, claiming it belonged to Italian bankers to avoid direct conflict.

Who was Mary, Queen of Scots?

A Catholic with a legitimate claim to the English throne, descended from Henry VII.

What was the Treaty of Edinburgh?

A treaty that ended the Scottish Protestant rebellion and required Mary, Queen of Scots, to give up her claim to the English throne.

What was the impact of the Scottish Protestant rebellion on Mary, Queen of Scots?

Elizabeth secretly supported the rebellion to counter the Catholic threat posed by Mary.

What was the relationship between Elizabeth I and her Catholic subjects?

It was strained, especially after the Northern Earls' rebellion and the enforcement of Catholicism by Spain.

What was the role of recusants in Elizabethan England?

Recusants were Catholics who refused to attend Church of England services, making up about one-third of the nobility and gentry.

What was Elizabeth's approach to the threat of civil war over religious differences?

She avoided direct military conflict to prevent civil unrest in England.

How did Elizabeth I's policies affect her relationship with Protestant powers in Europe?

She was cautious in her support to avoid being seen as the leading Protestant monarch, fearing war with Spain or France.

What event prompted Mary Queen of Scots to return to Scotland in December 1560?

The death of Francis II.

Why did Mary Queen of Scots maintain her claim to the English throne?

She wanted to be named as Elizabeth I's heir.

What was Elizabeth I's stance on naming an heir?

She refused to name an heir, especially not Mary, due to her Catholicism.

Who did Mary Queen of Scots marry in 1565?

Henry Stuart, Lord of Darnley.

What significant event occurred in 1567 involving Lord Darnley?

He was murdered, and Mary was rumored to be implicated.

What was the outcome of Mary's marriage to Lord Bothwell?

It led to her being forced to abdicate by the Scottish Protestant Lords.

What did Mary Queen of Scots do after escaping captivity in 1568?

She raised an army but was ultimately defeated and fled to England.

Why was Mary Queen of Scots considered a threat to Elizabeth I?

Mary had a legitimate claim to the English throne and could potentially rally support from Catholics.

What was the outcome of Mary's trial in England?

The court could not reach a decision, leading to her continued captivity.

What was the Revolt of the Northern Earls?

A rebellion by Catholic nobles in England seeking to restore Catholicism and replace Elizabeth.

Who were the key figures in the Revolt of the Northern Earls?

Thomas Percy, Earl of Northumberland; Charles Neville, Earl of Westmorland; and Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk.

What role did religion play in the Revolt of the Northern Earls?

Many rebels were Catholic and opposed Elizabeth's Protestant rule.

What political factors contributed to the Revolt of the Northern Earls?

The earls resented the rise of Protestant families and the loss of their power.

What was the plan for the Revolt of the Northern Earls?

To raise rebel forces, take control of Durham, and seek Spanish support to overthrow Elizabeth.

What happened to the leaders of the Revolt of the Northern Earls after the rebellion was crushed?

Many were executed, including the Earl of Northumberland.

What was the papal bull issued after the Revolt of the Northern Earls?

It excommunicated Elizabeth and called for loyal Catholics to depose her.

What was the significance of James Stuart, the child of Mary Queen of Scots?

He would eventually become King of Scotland and England.

How did Elizabeth I view the relationship with Mary Queen of Scots?

She saw Mary as a threat but could not execute her without causing political backlash.

What was the outcome of the marriage proposal between Mary Queen of Scots and the Duke of Norfolk?

The plan was discovered, leading to Norfolk's arrest and the failure of the revolt.

What was the impact of the Revolt of the Northern Earls on Catholicism in England?

It intensified the divide between Catholics and Protestants and led to further repression of Catholicism.

What was the purpose of the Papal bull issued against Elizabeth I?

To excommunicate Elizabeth, diminishing her relationship with English Catholics and inciting plots against her.

Who was Roberto Ridolfi and what was his plot in 1571?

An Italian banker and spy who plotted to murder Elizabeth I, launch a Spanish invasion, and place Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne.

What was the outcome of the Ridolfi Plot?

Sir William Cecil uncovered the plot, leading to the execution of the Duke of Norfolk for high treason, while Ridolfi fled and never returned.

What was the Throckmorton Plot of 1583?

A plan to depose Elizabeth I with the Duke of Guise invading England, supported financially by Philip II, with Francis Throckmorton as the middleman.

How was the Throckmorton Plot uncovered?

Sir Francis Walsingham found incriminating papers at Throckmorton's house, leading to his arrest and execution.

What was the Babington Plot of 1586?

A conspiracy to murder Elizabeth I, involving the Duke of Guise and supported by Philip II and the pope, with Anthony Babington as a key conspirator.

What was the fate of Mary, Queen of Scots, following the Babington Plot?

She was tried by the Privy Council, sentenced to death, and executed after Elizabeth hesitated to sign the death warrant.

What was the Act of the Preservation of the Queen's Safety?

A 1585 Act that barred Mary QS from succession if Elizabeth was assassinated and required a trial for any punishment.

What were the consequences of Mary QS's execution for Elizabeth I?

It removed a significant threat to her reign but angered Catholics in England and abroad, particularly in Spain.

Who was Sir Francis Walsingham and what was his role?

Secretary of State who developed a spy network to uncover plots against Elizabeth I, including gathering evidence for Mary QS's execution.

What methods did Walsingham use in his spy network?

He used ciphers, trained agents, and even recruited spies from within illegal groups to gather intelligence.

What was the significance of privateering in Elizabethan England?

Privateers attacked Spanish ships, worsening relations with Spain and contributing to the commercial rivalry between England and Spain.

What was the impact of Spain's control over the New World on English merchants?

Spain's control limited English trade opportunities, leading many merchants to trade illegally and attack Spanish shipping.

How did Elizabeth I's foreign policy affect relations with Spain?

Her focus on developing England's economy and avoiding war led to increased tensions with Spain, especially due to commercial rivalry.

What was the role of Catholic priests in England after 1572?

They were smuggled into England, celebrated mass, and were under constant surveillance, facing execution if discovered.