1. Who was Elizabeth I

Overview of Elizabeth I

  • Name: Elizabeth I

  • Class: 11D2 - Paper 2: Section B

  • Teacher: Miss Collins & Mrs. James

Lesson Objectives

  • Understand who Elizabeth I was and her ascent to the throne

  • Analyze key religious issues during the Tudor dynasty

  • Discuss potential solutions Elizabeth could implement regarding religious conflicts

Key Terms

  • Inherit: To gain possessions after someone's death

  • Heir: A person legally entitled to receive property or title upon another's death

Paper Structure

Depth Study Focus

  • Period: Last 35 years of Elizabeth's reign

  • Sections:

    1. Elizabeth’s court and parliament

    2. Life in Elizabethan times

    3. Troubles at home and abroad

  • Historic Environment: Hardwick Hall (key for the 16-mark essay question)

Exam Format (AQA Paper 2: Section B)

  • Q1: Interpretation (8 marks)

  • Q2: Explain (8 marks)

  • Q3: Write an account (8 marks)

  • Q4: Historical environment essay question (16 marks)

  • Skills Tested: Knowledge application, event impacts, policy explanation, site features analysis

Pre-Reign Context

  • Financial Status: Over £300,000 in debt

  • Religious Climate: Division between Catholicism and Protestantism, fears of persecution

  • Military State: Military weakness; loss of wars (e.g., against France)

  • Political Climate: Mistrust in Mary I, desire for a unifying ruler

  • Social Issues: High poverty levels and noble ambitions for power

Succession and Challenges

Key Events Leading to Elizabeth's Reign

  1. Death of Henry VIII (1547)

  2. Earl of Hertford's role during Edward VI's reign

  3. Religious tensions during Edward VI and Mary I's rule

Elizabeth I's Early Life and Ascent

  • Born in 1533, daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn; labeled illegitimate post-mother’s execution

  • Excellent education and fluent in languages

  • Half-sister Mary I's reign (1553-1558): persecutions of Protestants, Elizabeth imprisoned due to alleged plots

  • Ascended the throne in 1558 after Mary’s childless death

Key Challenges Faced by Elizabeth

  • Religious Division: Catholics vs. Protestants; contention over succession with Mary, Queen of Scots

  • Economic Struggles: Inherited a weak economy post-Mary’s wars, inflation, unemployment

  • Foreign Relations: Hostile Catholic neighbors (France and Spain) distrustful of an unmarried queen, concerns about a lack of succession

Conclusion

  • Elizabeth's reign initiated amidst critical challenges needing careful navigation of religious and political landscapes to maintain stability in England.