OCR B GCSE History: The Elizabethans (elizabeth and her gov)

What was patronage?

Giving jobs, titles and rewards in return for loyalty

What were factions?

Groups of courtiers competing for power

What was the Privy Council?

Group of ~19 key advisers running government

How often did the Privy Council meet?

Almost daily

What was the Privy Chamber?

Elizabeth's private rooms with close servants

How did Elizabeth use the Privy Chamber politically?

Gained information and informal advice

How did Elizabeth control her Privy Council?

Balanced rival views and made final decisions

Who was Elizabeth's most trusted adviser?

William Cecil (Lord Burghley)

What was Cecil known for?

Cautious advice and avoiding expensive wars

Who was Francis Walsingham?

Spymaster and Secretary of State

What was Walsingham known for?

Intelligence network and anti-Catholic stance

Who was Robert Dudley?

Favourite courtier and possible suitor

Who was Robert Devereux (Earl of Essex)?

Favourite who later rebelled and was executed

What happened to Essex in 1601?

Executed after failed rebellion

Who was Walter Raleigh?

Explorer, courtier, brought tobacco and potatoes

How did Elizabeth use patronage to control nobles?

Rewarded loyalty but prevented any one becoming too powerful

Why was balancing courtiers important?

Prevented challenges to her authority

How often did Elizabeth call Parliament?

Rarely (13 weeks in 45 years)

Why did Elizabeth call Parliament?

Pass laws, approve taxes, get advice

What topics were MPs not meant to discuss?

Religion, foreign policy, marriage

How did Elizabeth control Parliament?

Royal veto, closing Parliament, controlling debate

What rights did MPs claim?

Freedom of speech, freedom from arrest, propose laws

Did Elizabeth lose control of Parliament?

No

What was the Golden Speech (1601)?

Speech to win MPs' loyalty and support

What was the role of Lord Lieutenants?

Controlled counties and raised troops

What did Justices of the Peace do?

Enforced laws, collected taxes, judged crimes

Why was local government important?

Allowed control without a large central government

What were royal progresses?

Summer tours to show power and gain loyalty

Why were progresses effective?

Displayed wealth and built support

What was propaganda?

Methods to influence how people viewed the queen

How were portraits used as propaganda?

Showed Elizabeth as young, powerful and divine

How were plays controlled?

Censorship of criticism, support for pro-Elizabeth messages

How did religion support Elizabeth's authority?

Prayers and sermons reinforced loyalty

What law enforced religious conformity?

Attendance at church using the Prayer Book

How did Elizabeth control the Church message?

Licensed preachers and controlled sermons

What is the overall judgement of Elizabeth's control?

Highly effective use of patronage, propaganda and political control