Marriage and Succession

• 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