the early rule of queen elizabeth

• When did Elizabeth come to power?

  1558
• What major issues did Elizabeth inherit upon becoming queen?

  Religious division, poverty, and foreign threats
• Who were Elizabeth's siblings that died before her reign?

  Edward VI and Mary I
• What strengths did Elizabeth bring to her reign?

  She ruled well and restored stability
• Who were Elizabeth's parents?

  Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII
• How did Elizabeth's education benefit her?

  It helped her survive during her sister's reign
• What languages could Elizabeth speak?

  French, Flemish, Italian, and Spanish
• Why was Elizabeth popular with the English people?

  Her reign was seen as a fresh start
• What gender-related challenge did Elizabeth face?

  Fear of a female ruler's weakness
• Who was Elizabeth's cousin that posed a threat to her reign?

  Mary, Queen of Scots
• What financial issue did Elizabeth inherit from her sister?

  Debts of £250,000
• What was the role of the Privy Council during Elizabeth's reign?

  • Group of trusted advisers
  • Advised on domestic and foreign issues
  • Did not control Elizabeth
  • Met initially three times a week
• How many men were in Elizabeth's Privy Council?

  19 men
• What was William Cecil's role in Elizabeth's government?

  Secretary of State and key minister
• What title did William Cecil receive in 1571?

  Lord Burghley
• What was Robert Dudley's title?

  Earl of Leicester
• Who was in charge of Elizabeth's secret service?

  Sir Francis Walsingham
• What significant event did Walsingham uncover in 1586?

  The plot leading to Mary’s execution
• How did Elizabeth control Parliament?

  • Called Parliament to meet
  • Set the agenda for discussions
  • Controlled topics of discussion
  • Closed Parliament at will
• How many times did Parliament meet during Elizabeth's reign?

  13 times
• What was the main purpose of Parliament for Elizabeth?

  To grant her taxes
• What issue did some MPs want Elizabeth to address regarding marriage?

  To name a suitor and produce an heir
• What was Elizabeth's response to marriage pressure from Parliament?

  It was her private business
• What was Elizabeth's stance on religious discussions in Parliament?

  Religion was a matter of state
• What happened to Peter Wentworth in 1576?

  He was sent to the Tower of London
• What was the purpose of monopolies during Elizabeth's reign?

  To promote business and boost the economy
• What did some MPs protest against in 1597-8 and 1601?

  Unfair monopolies
• What were the advantages and disadvantages of Elizabeth remaining unmarried?

  Advantages:

  • Sole control of English affairs
  • Kept options open in foreign policy
  • Focus of all power

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Uncertainty over succession
  • Potential for plots against her
  • Frustration among Privy Councillors and MPs
• Who was Robert Dudley married to when he and Elizabeth were close?

  He was already married
• Why did Elizabeth reject King Philip of Spain's proposal?

  Fear of religious unsettlement
• What was the outcome of Elizabeth's consideration of Archduke Charles?

  No match due to religious differences
• What political advantages did Elizabeth gain from her negotiations with Francis, Duke of Alencon?

  Influence over French policy in the Netherlands
• What image did Elizabeth emphasize during her reign?

  The "Virgin Queen" image
• Why did Elizabeth refuse to marry anyone?

  To protect England's security
• What were the key challenges Elizabeth faced during her reign?

  • Gender issues and perceptions of weakness
  • Religious conflicts and settling the Church of England
  • Threats from Mary, Queen of Scots
  • Financial debts inherited from Mary I
• What were the main roles of Elizabeth's key ministers?

  • William Cecil: Secretary of State, key advisor
  • Robert Dudley: Trusted adviser, close relationship
  • Sir Francis Walsingham: Head of secret service, foreign affairs
• How did Elizabeth manage her relationship with Parliament?

  • Controlled meetings and agenda
  • Limited discussions to her approval
  • Used Parliament primarily for taxes
  • Responded to assertive MPs with caution
• What were the implications of Elizabeth's decision to remain unmarried?

  • Maintained control over English affairs
  • Created uncertainty over succession
  • Allowed for strategic foreign negotiations
  • Led to frustration among advisers and MPs