Elizabethan England

• When did Elizabeth Tudor become Queen of England?

  November 1558
• When was Elizabeth's coronation?


  January 1559
• What was a key issue in England when Elizabeth became queen?


  Religion
• How had England's social religion changed since Henry VIII?


  It had changed constantly
• What did people fear regarding their religious beliefs under a monarch?


  They feared being burned to death
• What significant divide existed within England regarding religion?


  What was the 'true' religion of the country
• What was the state of law enforcement in Tudor England?


  There was no national police or army
• What structured England's population when Elizabeth became queen?


  A clear hierarchy from rich to poor
• What is the hierarchical structure of society in Tudor England called?

  The feudal system
• How did the feudal system help maintain order in society?


  It helped maintain law and order within the countryside and towns
• How did the power of a 16th-century monarch compare to that of a 21st-century monarch?


  A 16th-century monarch held more power
• What was the structure of the government in Elizabethan England?


  It included a parliament with the House of Lords and House of Commons
• What right did Elizabeth have regarding parliament?


  She could open and close parliament whenever she wished
• How many times did Elizabeth open parliament during her reign?


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


  To advise the monarch and enact her wishes
• Who were the members of the Privy Council?


  Elizabeth's closest nobles, courtiers, and members of parliament
• What was the role of parliament in Elizabethan England?


  To approve extraordinary tax and pass Acts of Parliament
• Who could vote in Elizabethan England?


  Very few people
• What was the role of courtiers in the Elizabethan court?


  To entertain the monarch and attempt to influence her views
• Who were the Lord Lieutenants in Elizabethan England?


  Nobility chosen by the queen
• What powers did Lord Lieutenants hold?


  They trained local militia and ensured community compliance with policies
• What was the role of Justices of the Peace?


  To keep law and order and act as judges in serious crimes
• What was the most important position in Elizabeth's government?


  The Secretary of State
• Who were the two Secretaries of State during Elizabeth's reign?

  Sir William Cecil and Sir Francis Walsingham
• What was the belief in the Divine Rights of Kings?


  That God chose the monarch to rule
• How did the monarch's power relate to the Privy Council and parliament?


  The monarch could ignore their advice and make her own decisions
• What is patronage in the context of Elizabethan England?


  The right of the queen to give land or titles to those she trusted
• What did Elizabeth's subjects believe about questioning her decisions?


  It was akin to questioning God
• Why did Elizabeth's background cause people to question her legitimacy?


  Due to her father's complicated marriages and claims of illegitimacy
• What was the significance of legitimacy in Elizabethan England?


  It was fundamental for securing the line of succession
• What did English Catholics believe about Elizabeth's legitimacy?


  They never accepted her as being born in wedlock
• What was the impact of Henry VIII's actions on Elizabeth's legitimacy?


  He publicly declared her illegitimate through an Act of Parliament
• How did society view women in the 16th century?


  As inferior to men and incapable of ruling
• What were the expectations of women in Elizabethan society?


  To obey men and fulfill domestic roles
• What was a contentious issue for Elizabeth regarding marriage?


  Society expected her to marry to ensure legitimacy
• What were the advantages of marriage for Elizabeth?


  It could provide legitimate children and strengthen the line of succession
• What were the disadvantages of marriage for Elizabeth?


  A husband could assert his power and make her obedient
• Did Elizabeth marry during her reign?


  No, she died unmarried and with no children
• Who were some of the suitors presented to Elizabeth?

  Philip II of Spain, Robert Dudley, King Eric of Sweden, and the Duke of Alençon
• Why did Elizabeth decline Philip II's offer of marriage?


  He was previously married to her half-sister, Mary