Marriage and Succession

Created by

Sophie

Cards (26)

Marriage and Succession
One of Elizabeth's biggest headaches as queen was the issue of marriage and the succession
What was Elizabeth expected to do regarding marriage?
Elizabeth was expected to marry and produce an heir
Why was there pressure for Elizabeth to find a husband?
Because people believed that women couldn't rule effectively
What were the concerns regarding Elizabeth's succession?
If Elizabeth died without an heir, there would be a risk of civil war
What was the main reason Elizabeth was expected to marry quickly?
To prevent the risk of civil war over the throne
Who was concerned about Elizabeth's succession?
The Privy Council and Parliament
What did the Privy Council and Parliament repeatedly ask Elizabeth to do?
They asked her to marry or name her heir
How did Elizabeth respond to the pressure to find a husband in 1563?
She refused to even discuss the matter
What were the implications of Elizabeth not marrying or producing an heir?
Risk of civil war
Different groups competing for the throne
Uncertainty in succession
Why was it difficult for Elizabeth to find a suitable husband?
Because marrying a foreign prince could give too much influence to another country.
What was the consequence of Queen Mary I's marriage to King Philip II of Spain?
It forced England to become involved in an expensive war with France.
What would be the impact of Elizabeth marrying a member of the English nobility?
It would create anger and resentment among those who weren't chosen.
Why was it difficult for Elizabeth to marry a Catholic?
Because England had become a Protestant country and there was growing anti-Catholic sentiment.
How might a Catholic husband undermine Elizabeth's rule?
By making him unpopular due to anti-Catholic feelings in England.
What was Elizabeth's attitude towards marriage?
She was reluctant to marry anyone.
What was one reason Elizabeth might lose power if she married?
Women were expected to obey their husbands, which would reduce her power and freedom.
Who were some of the early suitors that Elizabeth rejected?
King Philip II of Spain, Archduke Charles of Austria, and King Eric of Sweden
Why did Elizabeth reject the proposals from foreign rulers early in her reign?
She ultimately decided against marrying any of the suitors
What was the reaction of Elizabeth's Privy Council to her potential marriage to Robert Dudley?
They were strongly opposed to the match
Who courted Elizabeth in the 1570s?
Duke Francis of Anjou
What was a significant concern regarding Elizabeth marrying Duke Francis of Anjou?
Opposition to her marrying a French Catholic
How could marriage negotiations serve as a tool in foreign policy during Elizabeth's reign?
They could strengthen alliances
They could improve Anglo-Spanish relations
They were used to create an alliance with France
What was Elizabeth's situation regarding children by the late 1570s?
It was clear she would never have children
Why did Elizabeth refuse to name a successor?
She was concerned a successor might become a focus of plots to overthrow her
What secret negotiations began towards the end of Elizabeth's reign?
To make James VI of Scotland heir to the throne
Who became king of England after Elizabeth died in 1603?
James VI of Scotland