mary queen of scotts

• How did the presence of Mary, Queen of Scots, affect Elizabeth's rule?


  It encouraged plots against Elizabeth's throne.
• What was Mary's claim to the English throne?

  She was Henry VIII's great-granddaughter and Elizabeth's second cousin.
• Why was Mary considered a threat to Elizabeth?


  Many Catholics supported her claim to the throne.
• What were the implications of Mary being an anointed monarch?

  It complicated Elizabeth's options for dealing with her.
• What was the outcome of the Casket Letters Affair?

  The conference did not reach any conclusions, and Mary remained captive.
• Why did Elizabeth not acknowledge Mary as her heir?

  It would upset English Protestants and risk civil war.
• What was the risk of keeping Mary in England for Elizabeth?

  It could lead to Catholic plots against her.
• How did the presence of Mary, Queen of Scots, affect Spanish plots against Elizabeth?

  Her presence encouraged the Spanish government to plot against Elizabeth.
• What was Mary, Queen of Scots' relationship to Elizabeth?

  She was Elizabeth's second cousin.
• Why was Mary, Queen of Scots, considered a legitimate claimant to the English throne?

  She was Mary I's great-granddaughter and descended from Margaret Tudor.
• How did Mary's marriage to Francis II of France impact her claim to the English throne?

  It strengthened her position as a Catholic monarch.
• What happened to Mary after the death of Francis II?

  She returned to Scotland and married Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.
• What was the outcome of Mary's marriage to Lord Darnley?

  He was murdered, possibly with Mary's involvement.
• What led to Mary's abdication in favor of her son, James?

  Protestant Scottish lords rebelled against her and imprisoned her.
• Where did Mary flee after being forced to abdicate?

  She fled to England.
• What was the situation of Mary while imprisoned in England?

  She was held in comfort but under guard.
• Why was Mary's presence in England a problem for Elizabeth?

  Mary could encourage rebellion among Catholics against Elizabeth.
• What were Elizabeth's options regarding Mary in 1568-69?

  1. Help Mary regain her throne 2. Hand Mary over to the Scottish lords 3. Allow Mary to go abroad 4. Keep Mary in England
• What was a potential consequence of helping Mary regain her throne?

  It would anger the Scottish nobility and leave Elizabeth facing a Catholic monarch.
• What risk was associated with allowing Mary to go abroad?

  She could return to France and provoke a plot against Elizabeth.
• Why was keeping Mary in England considered the best option for Elizabeth?

  It minimized immediate risks while still posing a threat of Catholic plots.
• What was the Casket Letters Affair?

  A meeting to hear the case against Mary involving letters allegedly plotting Darnley's murder.
• What was Mary's defense during the Casket Letters Affair?

  She claimed she could not be tried because she was an anointed monarch.
• Why did Elizabeth not make Mary her heir?

  It would upset English Protestants and risk civil war.
• What were the consequences of not handing over Mary?

  It ensured the Scottish nobility would not execute her and satisfied the French.
• Why did Mary remain a threat to Elizabeth despite being captive?

  Any plots against Elizabeth could seek to replace her with Mary.
• What role did the Privy Council play in Elizabeth's decisions regarding Mary, Queen of Scots?

  They advised Elizabeth on the potential risks and consequences of her options.
• How did the Auld Alliance influence Elizabeth's decisions regarding Mary?

  It posed a threat of a revived alliance between France and Scotland against England.
• What were some of the plots against Elizabeth involving Mary, Queen of Scots?

  They included conspiracies to overthrow Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne.
• Why was the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, significant?

  It removed a major threat to Elizabeth
• Why was Mary, Queen of Scots, executed?

  For her involvement in plots against Elizabeth
• What was the Act for Preservation of the Queen’s Safety?

  A law under which Mary was convicted
• Why was Mary seen as a rallying point for Catholics?

  She was viewed as a legitimate queen
• What was the significance of the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots?

  It removed an important threat to Elizabeth
• What evidence did Walsingham's spies find against Mary?

  Mary was involved with the plotters
• What led to Mary's trial and conviction?

  Her involvement in plots against Elizabeth
• Under which act was Mary convicted?

  Act for Preservation of the Queen’s Safety
• What did the excommunication of Elizabeth imply for Mary?

  Mary became an alternative Catholic monarch
• What was the significance of Mary's execution?

  It removed a major threat to Elizabeth
• When was Mary, Queen of Scots executed?

  8 February 1587