Religious divisions on Elizabeth's accession

• Elizabeth's Accession and Challenges

  • Elizabeth I came to the throne in 1558 at 25, with little political experience
  • Her reign followed the brief reigns of Edward VI and Mary I, often referred to as part of the 'Mid-Tudor Crisis'
  • One of Elizabeth's key challenges was to resolve the religious divisions in England
  • Elizabeth displayed political skill early on, choosing her advisers carefully and using public appearances to manage her image
• Religious Divisions upon Elizabeth's Accession

  • Mary I had restored Catholicism and feared that Elizabeth would break with Rome, restoring Royal Supremacy
  • Elizabeth's accession in November 1558 was unchallenged, and she was quickly accepted by Parliament
  • Her coronation highlighted religious tensions, as only the Bishop of Carlisle, a low-ranking diocese, agreed to crown her
• Options for Religious Settlement

  Elizabeth had three main religious options:

  • Continue the Catholic regime(favored by Marian bishops)
  • Radical Protestantism (supported by religious exiles, but opposed by Elizabeth)
  • Moderate Protestantism (favored by Elizabeth, as it maintained Royal Supremacy)
• Catholics

  • Elizabeth had conformed to the Marian Church but was known for her Protestant leanings, influenced by Catherine Parr and Edward VI's education
  • Marian Catholicism had reestablished traditional practices, but educated Catholics were influenced by reforms from the Council of Trent
  • Many Catholics remained conservative in their beliefs, continuing medieval rituals
• Protestant Emigres and Divisions

  • After Mary's death, about 400 Protestant exiles returned to England
  • Divisions existed between those supporting Calvinist models (e.g., John Knox) and those favoring an English system (e.g., Richard Cox)
  • Elizabeth surrounded herself with moderate Protestants, many shaped by Cambridge, not Geneva
• Elizabeth's Privy Council

  • Elizabeth retained some of Mary's councilors, aiming to maintain wide support and experience
  • Nine new councilors were brought in, including cautious Protestants like William Cecil
  • The council reflected a range of religious views, allowing Elizabeth to maintain control over policies and prevent factionalism
• Foreign Policy and Peace with France

  • Elizabeth inherited England's involvement in wars with France and Scotland
  • The Treaty of Cateau-Cambresis in 1559 ended these conflicts, temporarily losing Calais to France
  • Elizabeth avoided direct confrontation with France and Scotland, preferring diplomatic solutions
• Conflict in Scotland

  • Elizabeth cautiously supported Protestant rebels in Scotland to resist French influence under Mary of Guise and Mary Stuart
  • The English navy was involved in supporting Scottish Protestants, and after military successes, the Treaty of Edinburgh was signed in 1560
  • Elizabeth's foreign policy showed pragmatism and personal control particularly in managing threat from France
• Loss of Calais

  • Elizabeth's involvement in the French Wars of Religion to regain Calais failed
  • The Treaty of Troyes (1564) confirmed the permanent loss of Calais to France without compensation