life in elizabethan england

• What era is associated with wealth and luxury in England?

  Elizabethan era
• How was life for ordinary people during the Elizabethan era?

  Life was often hard and challenging
• What was the attitude towards poverty in Elizabethan times?

  Poverty was considered one's own fault
• What belief reinforced the idea of social positions in Elizabethan society?

  Divinely appointed positions in society
• What was one reason for the increase in poverty during Elizabeth's reign?

  Rising population
• How much did the population rise during the Elizabethan period?

  By a million
• What economic effect did the rising population have?

  Increased demand for goods and rising prices
• What happened to wages during the Elizabethan era?

  Wages fell as prices rose
• What caused the collapse of the cloth trade?

  Decline in demand for woollen cloth
• What was one consequence of wars during Elizabeth's reign?

  Increased taxes
• How did bad harvests in the 1590s affect prices?

  Led to higher demand and rising prices
• What farming change contributed to unemployment?

  Landlords enclosed fields for sheep
• What was the general attitude towards poverty at the start of Elizabeth's reign?

  Poverty was considered one's own fault
• What fears led to changes in attitudes towards the poor?

  Fear of rebellion and crime
• Who was responsible for poverty-related issues at the local level?

  Justices of the Peace
• What were the two categories of poor people recognized by authorities?

  Impotent poor and able-bodied poor
• What was the fate of able-bodied poor who refused to work?

  They were forced to work to prevent vagrancy
• What severe actions were introduced by the 1572 Vagabonds Act?

  Whipping, boring through the ear, death
• What significant law was passed in 1601 regarding poor relief?

  The 1601 Poor Law formalized poor relief
• What system was introduced by the 1601 Poor Law?

  A compulsory nationwide Poor Rate system
• What happened to those who refused to contribute to the Poor Rate?

  They would go to jail
• What was established to care for the impotent poor?

  Almshouses
• How did Elizabeth's reign initially affect the welfare of the people?

  It saw stability and prosperity
• What was a major shift in English history regarding the Poor Laws?

  The government became responsible for welfare
• What cultural movement began in Europe in the 14th century?

  The Renaissance
• How did Elizabeth encourage the arts during her reign?

  Through her patronage of theatre and music
• What type of plays were performed before Elizabeth's reign?

  Religious plays
• What was established in the 1570s to support actors?

  Permanently funded groups of actors
• Who began writing plays during Elizabeth's reign?

  Shakespeare
• What themes did Shakespeare's plays often explore?

  Connected to English history
• How were purpose-built theatres designed?

  With tiered seating for all social ranks
• What did nobles do to entertain the queen during her tours?

  Organized lavish entertainments
• What was the Puritan view on theatres?

  They believed theatres spread immoral ideas
• What did the 1572 law state about common players?

  They were deemed rogues and vagabonds
• What cultural pursuits did the upper classes engage in?

  Intellectual pursuits like reading and music
• What pastimes were popular among the lower classes?

  Drinking, gambling, and bear-baiting
• Who were notable explorers during the Elizabethan era?

  Francis Drake, John Hawkins, Walter Raleigh
• What was the main benefit of exploration during this time?

  Opening up trade routes
• Who was the most famous seaman of Elizabeth's reign?

  Sir Francis Drake
• How was Sir Francis Drake's career viewed?

  As both a hero and a villain