17-Elizabeth I: character and aims

The Character and Aims of Elizabeth I

  • Ascended the throne at age 25

  • Better educated than Mary

  • Issues with Thomas Seymour

    • He was fond of Elizabeth, but she was a child at the time.

  • Imprisoned for treason under Mary

    • Involved in Wyatt's Rebellion.

  • No desire to involve herself in the details of government

    • Preferred making decisions without delving into minutiae.

  • Wanted to preserve the prerogative powers of the Crown

Elizabeth I’s Consolidation of Power

  • Acceptance of her succession by Mary’s key councillors

    • On 17 Nov, Mary’s Lord Chancellor and Archbishop of York announced Mary’s death to Parliament and proclaimed Elizabeth’s rule.

    • Legally, they had no right to do so—Mary’s death should have resulted in the dissolution of Parliament.

    • Politically significant as it demonstrated the backing of the political elite for Elizabeth’s reign.

    • No attempt was made to deny her succession, even by devout Catholics who didn’t recognize her legitimacy due to her mother’s marriage to Henry VIII.

  • Cecil appointed principal secretary

    • Cecil lasted 40 years in this position.

    • He made household appointments and helped Elizabeth navigate the court politics.

  • Made political sense to keep Mary’s councillors guessing

    • Elizabeth kept them uncertain about her intentions and their chances of retaining her favor.

  • Took herself to the Tower

    • Elizabeth emerged on several occasions to show herself to her new subjects and benefit from pageants organized by the City of London.

  • Coronation quickly followed (within 2 months)

    • On the basis of astrological advice, Elizabeth chose 15 January for her coronation.

  • Gained international confirmation

    • The Spanish ambassador, Count of Feria, had visited Elizabeth a few days before Mary's death and tried to broker a marriage between Elizabeth and Philip II.

    • Nothing came of this, showing Philip’s reluctance to interfere with the smooth transition of Elizabeth’s reign.

Short-Term Aims of Elizabeth I

  1. To consolidate her position

  2. Settle religious issues

  3. Pursue a peaceful settlement with France

Why Was Elizabeth’s Succession Difficult?

  1. Series of poor harvests

    • Food was scarce and expensive, leading to economic strain.

  2. Severe flu outbreak

    • The highest mortality rate since the Black Death (200 years earlier).

  3. Loss of Calais in the war against France

    • The defeat in the French war left a blow to England’s national pride and security.