Elizabeth

• What year did Elizabeth I become queen of England?

  1558
• What are the main components of Elizabethan government?

  • The court
  • The Privy Council
  • Parliament
  • Lord Lieutenants
  • Justices of the Peace
• What is extraordinary taxation?

  Extra taxes for unexpected expenses
• What is a militia?

  A force of ordinary people raised in emergencies
• Why could Elizabeth not pass laws without parliament's approval?

  She did not possess complete power
• Who advised Elizabeth and displayed her wealth and power?

  The court
• What was the role of the Privy Council in Elizabethan government?

  They helped govern and monitored law and order
• What two houses make up Parliament?

  House of Lords and House of Commons
• Who were Justices of the Peace?

  Large landowners who kept law and order locally
• What was the role of Lord Lieutenants?

  They governed counties and raised local militia
• What was the social structure of Elizabethan society based on?

  Inequality and a social hierarchy
• What was expected of landowners in Elizabethan society?

  To show obedience and care to tenants
• Who were the merchants in Elizabethan towns?

  Wealthy traders
• What role did professionals play in Elizabethan society?

  They included lawyers, doctors, and clergymen
• Who were the gentry in Elizabethan society?

  Owners of smaller estates
• What was the status of the yeoman farmers?

  They owned a small amount of land
• What percentage of the population lived in the countryside during Elizabeth's reign?

  90%
• What was Elizabeth's age when she became queen?

  21 years old
• What was a significant challenge to Elizabeth's legitimacy?

  The pope refused to recognize her mother's marriage
• Why was Elizabeth's marital status a concern?

  It could reduce her power and authority
• What was the Crown's debt when Elizabeth became queen?

  £300,000
• What was the impact of debasing the coinage?

  It caused inflation and reduced currency value
• What was the Peace of Troyes?

  A treaty recognizing French claims to Calais
• How did Elizabeth deal with the threat from Mary, Queen of Scots?

  She placed Mary in custody in England
• What was the Auld Alliance?

  The alliance between France and Scotland
• Why was war with France a concern for Elizabeth?

  England could not afford the expenses of war
• What was the significance of the marriage of Francis and Mary, Queen of Scots?

  It strengthened the French claim to England
• What was the risk of Elizabeth dying without an heir?

  It could lead to civil war
• What was Elizabeth's approach to her image as a monarch?

  She portrayed herself as a strong, legitimate ruler
• How did Elizabeth demonstrate her political understanding?

  She effectively used her powers of patronage
• What was the role of patronage in Elizabeth's reign?

  It rewarded supporters with lands and titles
• What was the impact of Elizabeth's education on her reign?

  It helped her govern effectively and confidently
• What was the significance of Elizabeth's Protestant faith?

  It secured her position as queen
• What financial strategy did Elizabeth employ to manage her debts?

  She cut household expenses and hoarded income
• What was the role of Thomas Gresham in Elizabeth's financial management?

  He suggested improving the quality of money
• What was the risk associated with issuing new coinage?

  Older coins would struggle to exchange
• What was the significance of the Crown's income in 1558?

  It was only £286,667 against £300,000 debt
• What was the impact of the Act of Supremacy in 1534?

  It led to the dissolution of monasteries
• What was the relationship between France and Spain during Elizabeth's reign?

  France had ended its war with Spain
• What was the significance of Elizabeth's character as a monarch?

  She was resilient and politically astute