Challenges abroad: France, Scotland and Spain

• France was wealthier than England in 1558 and Elizabeths cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, was married to the heir of the French throne. Mary, who was a Catholic had a strong claim to the throne so Catholics in England may support Mary if she invaded
• England had lost Calais to France. This was England’s last remaining territory on the continent and there was pressure on Elizabeth to regain it. However, war with France would be expensive and dangerous.
• The Auld Alliance - The Alliance between France and Scotland due to the marriage between Francis and Mary
• Scotland was the enemy of Britain, and they had much conflict at their border. French troops were also at the Scottish border, as both countries were Catholic
• France went to war with England and Spain in 1558
• France had a large interest in the English crown and was a traditional enemy of England. They believed Mary Queen of Scots should be in power
• England was friends with Spain for most of the tudor period. Spain was the most powerful and wealthy country in Europe
• Spain had colonies in Central and South America
• Mary I was married to Philip II of Spain. When Elizabeth came into power, Spain lost much of its control over England through Mary. Spain was Catholic and wanted to prevent the spread of protestantism
• Mary of Guise (Mary Scot's mother) kept French soldiers in Scotland who could attack British soldiers
• Elizabeth tried her best to prevent upsetting powerful countries. One way she did this was through signing the Peace of Troyes of 1564, which finally recognized the French claim to Calais
• Elizabeth dealt with the threat of Scotland by keeping Mary Queen of Scots in custody in England when she feld Scotland in 1568
• By imprisoning Mary and making peace with France, the only threat Elizabeth had was Spain in 1569
• Lots of land was sold to fight wars. Elizabeth could not raise taxes as she was already unpopular
• Less silver was put in each coin, in which debasement occurred, where the value of the coin decreased and prices went up