the problems facing catholics in 1558-89

Elizabeths longevity and pressure to conform

Ensured the sustained presence of a Protestant monarchy and therefore ment Catholicism would naturally weaken over time and die out. For example, from the begging of her 45 years religous matters were based under her religous settlement which established a moderate Protestant church. This created long term social pressure to conform as it had became the normalised official religous, during her reign particularly towards the end Catholicism would have appeared outdated or a foreign faith to many, especially since towards the end of her reign more and more harsher measures had been put in place to remove the catholic challange

Political stability and legislation

Legislation, fines, and treason acts limited the appeal and executions and harsher punishments made it harder for the catholic population to provide a strong threat to Elizabeth. E.g. recusancy fines had significantly increased over time- from 1 shilling to £20 a month in 1581 (financially impossible for some to refuse to adhere to Protestantism or would have to practice Catholicism underground) and as shown by executions following plots e.g. Norfolk in 1572 following ridolfi shows she was willing to take action against catholics to enforce conformity

Loss of a figurehead

MQS was used as an alternative legitimate successor and fueled opposition from catholics. Her execution at forthingal castle in 1572 following the babington plot, ment there was no longer active plots for Elizabeth to be replaced by Mary and hindered their oppertunity to have a catholic monarchy on teh throne

Lacked effective foreign support

Although catholic powers e.g. France and Spain (Phillip, Duke of guise, alba 10000 men) supported plots, Elizabeth’s longlevity and victories show these were not strong enough to restore Catholicism . E.g. the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 shows the Protestant regime were resilient to Catholicism threats and opposition abroad