The End of Elizabeth's Reign

• The last 15 years or so of Elizabeth's rule were so different to her early years that they're sometimes called her 'second reign'. One of the main differences was the growth of competing groups at court.
• When did Elizabeth's Court split into rival groups?

  In the 1590s
• What happened to Elizabeth's Privy Council towards the end of her reign?

  It changed in make-up
• Who were two key ministers that died around 1590?

  Christopher Hatton and Francis Walsingham
• Who succeeded William Cecil after his death in 1598?

  His son, Robert Cecil
• Who did Elizabeth make a member of the Privy Council in 1593?

  Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex
• What was the result of Essex's rise in court?

  Growth of two conflicting groups
• Who were the two conflicting groups at court centered around?

  The Earl of Essex and William and Robert Cecil
• What was Essex's relationship to Robert Dudley?

  He was Dudley's stepson
• When did Essex come to court?

  In 1584
• What traits characterized Essex's ambition?

  Military success, arrogance, and disrespect
• What were the two groups at court competing for?

  Royal patronage and influence
• What did the two groups disagree over?

  Strategy in the war with Spain
• How did Elizabeth's inability to control court conflict affect her?

  It undermined her authority
• When did Essex launch his rebellion?

  In 1601
• What was Essex's task when sent to Ireland in 1599?

  To crush Tyrone's Rebellion
• What was the other name for Tyrone's Rebellion?

  The Nine Years' War
• What did Essex do when his attempts to fight the rebels failed?

  He made a truce with them
• What was the consequence of Essex abandoning his post?

  He was punished by Elizabeth
• What punishment did Elizabeth impose on Essex after he returned to England?

  House arrest
• What role did Elizabeth take away from Essex in November 1600?

  Distributor of sweet wines
• Why did Essex revolt?

  Loss of political power and income
• On what date did Essex launch his rebellion in London?

  8th February 1601
• What was Essex's main goal during his rebellion?

  To seize the Queen and replace advisors
• What was the outcome of Essex's rebellion?

  It failed within a few hours
• What happened to Essex after his rebellion failed?

  He was arrested and executed
• When was Essex executed?

  25th February 1601
• What factors contributed to Essex's rebellion?

  • Loss of political power
  • Loss of income from sweet wines
  • Resentment among courtiers due to lack of promotions
• How did Elizabeth's later years affect her Privy Council appointments?

  She rarely appointed new members
• What was the reaction of courtiers to Elizabeth's refusal to promote them?

  They encouraged Essex's rebellion
• What undermined Elizabeth's authority?

  The conflict at court
• What does the lack of popular support for Essex's rebellion indicate?

  It wasn't a serious threat to Elizabeth's rule
• How was Elizabeth viewed by the public during her reign?

  As a popular and respected queen
• What does the rebellion suggest about Elizabeth's authority towards the end of her reign?

  Her authority over her court became weaker
• How did Elizabeth's use of patronage change by the 1590s?

  She was no longer using it effectively
• What was the consequence of Elizabeth allowing the Cecils to become too powerful?

  It led to anger and resentment at court
• What risk did the build-up of anger and resentment pose?

  It risked fueling challenges to her authority
• How did the conflict at court in the 1590s affect Elizabeth's government?

  It made her government less effective
• What was the impact of constant competition and in-fighting at court?

  It made decision-making more difficult