Elizabeth's problems and decisions

• In what year did Elizabeth I become Queen?


  1558
• Why was Elizabeth I considered different from Mary I?


  Elizabeth was seen as a strong and capable ruler, unlike the unpopular Mary I
• What was the public's concern regarding Elizabeth's potential religious policies?


  Many feared she would follow Mary's Catholic policies
• What challenges did Elizabeth face regarding her upbringing?


  Her childhood was difficult, with a patchy education and instability in the royal court
• What image did Elizabeth cultivate for herself?


  She was known as the "Virgin Queen"
• What was one of the main problems Elizabeth faced at the start of her reign?


  Deciding whether to keep the Catholic religion or return to Protestantism
• Why did Elizabeth feel the need to avoid serious actions regarding religion?


  She did not trust anyone and wanted to appease different groups
• What economic issues did Elizabeth face in 1558?


  High unemployment and prices reduced trade
• What was one of Elizabeth's goals regarding the economy?


  To introduce a market economy
• What question did some Catholics raise about Elizabeth's legitimacy?


  They believed her parents' marriage was illegal
• Why was it essential for Elizabeth to maintain food and money for her subjects?


  Without them, people would not support her
• What was a significant foreign policy concern for Elizabeth?


  Finding an agreement with France to avoid serious problems
• Which two powerful countries in Europe were Catholic during Elizabeth's reign?


  France and Spain
• What was Elizabeth's most important task regarding defense?


  To maintain a powerful navy
• How old was Elizabeth when she became Queen?


  25 years old
• What personal qualities helped Elizabeth tackle crises?


  Her courage, calmness, and political survival skills
• What challenges did Elizabeth face due to her gender?


  People believed men were more suited to rule than women
• What subjects did Elizabeth study during her education?


  Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Bible, ethics, dancing, riding, archery, and hunting
• What was one of Elizabeth's notable talents?


  She was a talented writer
• What was the significance of Elizabeth's imprisonment in 1554?


  It highlighted her political survival and courage
• When did Elizabeth receive her royal title?


  17 November 1558
• What was the role of the Privy Council in Elizabeth's government?


  They were chief advisors responsible for major decisions
• Why was choosing the Privy Council crucial for Elizabeth?


  Choosing the right people ensured loyalty and effective governance
• Who did Elizabeth appoint as her principal secretary of state?


  William Cecil
• What was one of the financial challenges Elizabeth faced in 1558?


  She inherited a debt of £300,000
• What was the impact of England's previous wars on Elizabeth's finances?


  They contributed to significant debts and financial instability
• What were the two options Elizabeth faced regarding the war with France?


  Continue the war or make peace
• What were the arguments for continuing the war against France?


  • A victory would be popular and boost morale
  • Regaining Calais would restore English pride
  • Victory would reduce the threat of invasion from France and Scotland
  • Making peace might appear weak
• What were the arguments for making peace with France?

  • England was fighting due to Mary's marriage against their wishes
  • The Council lacked support for continuing the war
• What was the fate of Elizabeth's mother, Anne Boleyn?


  She was beheaded for treason in 1536
• How did Elizabeth's relationship with her father, Henry VIII, affect her?


  It influenced her education and position in the royal court
• What was the significance of Elizabeth's education in her reign?


  It prepared her for tackling problems and crises effectively
• What was the role of the Privy Council in Elizabeth's government?


  They were responsible for advising on major issues and daily decisions
• Why was Elizabeth's careful selection of advisors crucial for her reign?


  It ensured loyalty and effective governance
• What was the debt amount by 1562 that Elizabeth faced?


  More than £300,000
• What was the only way to cover the finances during Elizabeth's reign?

  Approval from Parliament and the outcome of wars with Spain
• What were the immediate challenges facing Elizabeth regarding foreign relations?


  • Possibility of a French invasion
  • Decision to continue war with France or make peace
• What were the arguments for continuing the war against France?


  • Victory would be popular and boost morale
  • Potential to regain Calais and restore pride
  • Victory would reduce invasion threats from France and Scotland
  • Making peace could portray Elizabeth as weak
• What were the arguments for making peace with France?

  • England was fighting due to Mary's marriage against their wishes
  • The war was too costly for England to sustain
  • England lacked resources to fight two wars simultaneously
  • Rising issues in Scotland needed attention
• When was peace signed with France during Elizabeth's reign?


  January 1559