mary queen of scots

• Who was Mary Queen of Scots?

  A claimant to the English throne
• Why was Mary viewed as a legitimate claimant to the throne?

  She was a Catholic and descended from Margaret Tudor
• How did Mary's religion affect her claim to the throne?

  Many viewed her Catholicism as more legitimate
• What was Elizabeth's religious affiliation?

  Protestant
• Who supported Mary against Elizabeth?

  France and Scotland
• What happened after Francis II's death?

  Mary returned to Scotland and married Darnley
• Who did Mary marry after Darnley?

  The Earl of Bothwell
• What led to Darnley's murder?

  Darnley became jealous of Riccio
• Why was Mary's arrival in England a problem for Elizabeth?

  Mary could rally Catholics against Elizabeth
• What did the Scottish rebels want for Mary?

  They wanted her tried for Darnley's murder
• What were the Casket Letters?

  Alleged evidence of Mary's guilt
• What was uncertain about the Casket Letters?

  It is unknown if they were real or forged
• What was Elizabeth's response to the Casket Letters?

  She refused to rule against Mary
• Why did Elizabeth not make Mary her heir?

  It would upset English Protestants
• What were the consequences of keeping Mary captive?

  She could encourage rebellion against Elizabeth
• What was the risk of executing Mary?

  It could provoke Spain and France
• What did Parliament think of Mary by the 1580s?

  They were suspicious of her Catholicism
• What was the 'wait and see policy' towards Mary?

  Holding her prisoner while gathering evidence
• What plots was Mary involved in against Elizabeth?

  The Northern Rebellion and Babington plot
• What did Walsingham's spies discover in 1586?

  Mary's involvement with the Babington plotters
• Under what act was Mary convicted?

  Act for the Preservation of the Queen's Safety
• Why was the Spanish threat significant by 1587?

  Philip II was connected to plots involving Mary
• How did executing Mary affect Catholic plots against Elizabeth?

  It made it harder for Catholics to plot
• Who was expected to be Elizabeth's heir after Mary's execution?

  Mary's Protestant son, James VI
• When was Mary Queen of Scots executed?

  8 February 1587
• What was the potential consequence of Mary's execution for Elizabeth's heirs?

  It made them more vulnerable in the future
• How did Mary's execution impact Philip II of Spain?

  It may have reinforced his determination to depose Elizabeth