Elizabeth 1

• When did Elizabeth come to power?

  1558
• What problems did Elizabeth inherit upon becoming queen?

  Religion, poverty, and foreign policy issues
• Who were Elizabeth's predecessors before her reign?

  Edward VI and Mary I
• How was Elizabeth's reign perceived by the public?

  As a fresh start and popular
• What strengths did Elizabeth bring to her reign?

  • Popularity and a fresh start
  • English parentage reducing foreign influence
  • Single status allowing choice in marriage
  • Commitment to re-establishing the Protestant Church
• What debt did Elizabeth inherit from her sister Mary?

  £250,000
• What concern did some have regarding a female ruler?

  That England would appear weak
• Why was Elizabeth declared illegitimate?

  Her mother's execution and an act of parliament
• What was the Act of Succession?

  It restored Elizabeth to the line of succession
• Why was Elizabeth's cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, a concern?

  She had a claim to the throne and was Catholic
• What major religious conflict did Elizabeth face?

  The conflict between Protestantism and Catholicism
• What did Henry VIII do that affected Elizabeth's reign?

  He broke away from the Roman Catholic Church
• What was the impact of Mary's reign on the Protestant Church?

  She restored Catholicism and dismantled Protestant reforms
• What challenges did Elizabeth face in settling religious conflict?

  Maintaining security and contentment among her people
• What were the key issues Elizabeth had to address during her reign?

  • Managing inherited debts
  • Addressing perceptions of female leadership
  • Resolving her legitimacy concerns
  • Navigating potential marriage alliances
  • Dealing with claims from Mary, Queen of Scots
  • Settling religious conflicts between Protestants and Catholics
• What was Elizabeth's first key task as queen?

  To surround herself with trusted advisers
• What is the Privy Council?

  A group of powerful noblemen advising Elizabeth
• Did the Privy Council control Elizabeth?

  No, they advised her but did not control her
• Why did Elizabeth choose a small group for the Privy Council?

  To minimize conflict and prevent disloyalty
• How many men were in Elizabeth's Privy Council?

  19 men
• How often did the Privy Council meet?

  Every day
• What was the most powerful part of the government machinery?

  The Privy Council
• What types of issues did the Privy Council advise on?

  Domestic and foreign issues
• What was one of the roles of the Privy Council regarding the Religious Settlement?

  Supervising the enforcement of the Religious Settlement
• Who was appointed as Secretary of State in 1558?

  William Cecil
• How long did William Cecil serve as Elizabeth's adviser?

  For 40 years
• What title did William Cecil receive in 1571?

  Lord Burghley
• Who was Robert Dudley?

  Earl of Leicester and trusted adviser
• What rumors surrounded Robert Dudley and Elizabeth?

  That they were lovers
• Who was in charge of Elizabeth's secret service?

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

  The plot that led to Mary, Queen of Scots’ execution
• How did Sir Francis Walsingham contribute to Elizabeth's foreign affairs?

  By advising on foreign affairs and secret service
• How have historians described Elizabeth's character?

  In many ways, including intelligent and loyal
• What does it mean that Elizabeth was a well-educated and intelligent woman?

  She was highly literate and spoke foreign languages
• How did Elizabeth's education help her in diplomacy?

  She could deal directly with foreign ambassadors
• Why might Elizabeth have chosen to remain unmarried?

  To exploit her relationship with the nation
• How did Elizabeth assert her power as a monarch?

  She was always willing to assert her powers
• What is the significance of Elizabeth's quote, ‘I will have one mistress and no master’?

  It shows her determination to maintain control
• What role did Elizabeth play as a propagandist?

  She created the right image for her reign
• What was the ‘Golden age’ associated with Elizabeth?

  It was a period of cultural flourishing