Problems at the Start of Elizabeth's Reign

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Sophie

Cards (34)

Problems at the start of Elizabeth's reign 
Elizabeth also faced other problems - the economy was weal and there was a threat of a French invasion.
When did Elizabeth's reign begin?
November 1558
What was the reason for Mary I taking England to war with France in 1557?
To support her husband Philip II of Spain
What was the outcome of the war that Mary I initiated?
The war wasn't a success, and Calais was conquered by the French
How did the loss of Calais affect England?
It made it harder for the English to control the Channel and increased the risk of a French invasion
When was peace agreed between England and France after Elizabeth became queen?
1559
Why did Elizabeth want to avoid foreign wars?
Due to England's financial weakness and fear of unpopularity from raising taxes
Who controlled Scotland when Elizabeth became queen?
France's Catholic royal family
What was the sentiment of many Scots towards French rule?
French rule was unpopular with many Scots
Who did Mary, Queen of Scots marry in 1558?
The heir to the French throne
How did Mary's marriage affect the relationship between England and France?
It increased the risk of a French invasion to place Mary on the English throne
Who led the Scottish Protestants in their rebellion against French rule in the late 1550s?
John Knox
What did the Scottish Protestants ask from England during their rebellion?
For support against French rule
What was the outcome of the English support for the Scottish Protestants in 1560?
The French were defeated and forced to leave Scotland
What event significantly reduced the threat of invasion after the French left Scotland?
The death of Mary's French husband in 1560
What were the implications of having many Catholics in England during Elizabeth's reign?
Risk of betrayal against Elizabeth
Potential support for a French invasion
Desire for a Catholic monarch
What was the state of the English economy during Elizabeth's reign?
The English economy was weak
What financial issues did Elizabeth inherit when she became queen?
Elizabeth inherited enormous debts
Who spent huge sums of money on wars in Scotland?
King Edward VI
What was one consequence of Mary I selling off Crown land?
It raised money in the short term but reduced the monarch's income from rent
How did the tax system in England affect ordinary people compared to the nobility and gentry?
Ordinary people paid high taxes, while the nobility and gentry paid less than they owed
What economic issue was England suffering from that affected the poor and urban areas the most?
High levels of inflation
What is inflation?
Inflation is when prices rise and wages don't
Why was Elizabeth reluctant to reform the tax system?
She feared it would upset the nobility and gentry who supported her
What was the trend in England's population since around 1500?
England's population had been rising steadily.
Where did most people in England live and work during this period?
Most people lived and worked in rural areas.
Which city was the largest and most important in England?
London was the largest and most important city.
What was the dominant sector of the economy in England during this period?
The economy was dominated by agriculture.
How was farming changing in Elizabethan England?
Farming was changing with the export of woollen cloth to Europe and new trade with the Americas and Asia.
What was a key part of the economy in Elizabethan England?
The export of woollen cloth to Europe.
Who dominated Elizabethan society?
Elizabethan society was dominated by a small, land-owning aristocracy of nobility and gentry.
What was the growing profession among wealthy men in Elizabethan England?
Wealthy men were increasingly becoming lawyers or merchants.
What was the state of inequality in Elizabethan England?
There was great inequality, and the divide between rich and poor was growing.
What major problem arose in Elizabethan England?
Poverty became a major problem.