Early Elizabethan England Revision Guide 1558-1588 Name: 1
Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 1. The situation on Elizabeth s accession a) Elizabethan England in 1558: society and government Elizabethan England was a violent and dangerous place as there was no police force or permanent army. Keeping order relied on a clear social structure in which everyone knew their place and had a role. Equality was not something that was important to Elizabethans. Privy Council Tenant Farmers Role Skilled Craftsmen 2
Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 1. The situation on Elizabeth s accession b) The Virgin Queen: the problem of her legitimacy, gender, marriage, her character and strengths : To inherit the throne, it was essential that the monarch was born whilst the remaining king and queen were married (in wedlock). Elizabeth s legitimacy was in doubt because of how her father had divorced his first wife, Catherine of Aragon in other to marry Elizabeth s mother, Anne Boleyn. Committed Catholics refused to acknowledge Henry s divorce because the pope had no agreed to it. Plus, Catherine of Aragon was alive when Elizabeth was born and so not everyone accepted that Elizabeth was legitimate. Gender and Marriage: It seemed unnatural to 16 th century society for a to rule. The Christian religion taught that women should be under authority of men. Furthermore, monarchs were still expected to lead their armies into battle. Also, the reign of Mary I had not gone well. Many people thought that Elizabeth should marry, however she had no intention of doing so. Her character and strengths: Highly intelligent and educated, with an eye for detail and an excellent grasp of. She spoke Latin, Greek, French and Italian. She made great speeches but had a temper and took a long time to make important decisions! She also wished to avoid and did not want to be seen as Europe s leading protestant monarch. Politics Legitimacy woman war Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 1. The situation on Elizabeth s accession c) Challenges at home and from aboard: the French threat, financial weaknesses. Financial Weaknesses: Elizabeth s government did not have a lot of due to costly wars before she came to power and lots of Crown lands had been sold off to pay for them. The French Threat: France was wealthier and had a larger population than England. France was also an ally for England s enemy Scotland. There was also tensions between who declared herself the legitimate catholic claimant to the English throne and Elizabeth (who were second cousins) Divisions between Protestants and were already causing conflict in Europe. There was a possibility that Catholic Spain and France would unite against England and its Protestant queen. Mary Queen of Scots Catholics Money Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 2. The settlement of religion a) Religious divisions in England in 1558 Elizabeth I was a protestant but historians believe that Edward VI (1547-53) was the only true protestant monarch England had ever had. There was a great deal of religious conflict spreading through Europe as Roman Catholics and Protestants fought to establish their faith as the true religion. 3
Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 2. The settlement of religion b) Elizabeth s religious settlement (1559): its features and impact Elizabeth wanted to find a when it came to England s religion and establish a form of Protestantism that Catholics could accept. The features of the religious settlement came in 3 parts: 1. The Act of All clergy and royal officials had to swear an oath of allegiance to Elizabeth as the head of the church. Members of the clergy whose loyalty was in doubt could be punished. 2. The Act of : Established the appearance of churches and the form of services they held. The wording was deliberately unclear so Catholics and Protestants take its meaning to suit their beliefs. This act also ordered that everyone was to attend church on a Sunday and other holy days (or be fined a shilling) 3. The Royal : A set of instructions e.g. how people should worship God and the structure of services which included issues such as: All clergy were to teach the Royal Supremacy, anyone who refused to attend church was reported to the privy council, each parish was to have a copy of the bible in English and no one was allowed to preach without a license from the government. Pilgrimages to fake miracles were also banned. Impact: 8000 priests took the other of supremacy but 27/28 bishops stood down as only one agreed to take the oath. In most of the country the change in religion was smooth. However to avoid paying fines, the husband would attend church but the wife and children would stay at home to practise Catholic beliefs. Injunctions Supremacy Uniformity compromise Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 2. The settlement of religion c) The Church of England: its role in society 4
Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 3. Challenge to the religious settlement a) The nature and extent of the Puritan challenge It was not long before Puritan clergymen began ignoring or disobeying parts of the religious settlement in terms of Crucifixes (Puritans did not want each church to display a cross) and Clothing (priests should not have to wear special clothing). Unlike the crucifix controversy, the majority of priests converted that special vestments must be worn, despite some opposition. Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 3. Challenge to the religious settlement b) The nature and extent of the Catholic challenge, including the role of the nobility, Papacy and foreign powers. The system of church government ruled by the pope. Catholics led an active fight back to strengthen Catholicism which included persecuting Heretics (people who denied the teachings of the Catholic Church). In 1556, the pope instructed that Catholics should not attend Church of England services. Elizabeth did not want to create martyrs and preferred to ignore smaller examples of disobedience. It is estimated in the NW of England 1/3 of nobility were non conformists and were often ancient families whose power had now been reduced. In 1969, the earls of Northumberland and Westmorland led a rebellion known as the revolt of the Northern Earls. One of the key events of the rebellion was the taking of Durham cathedral and the celebration of full Catholic mass. The rebels marched south and controlled the land East of the Pennines and as far south as Braham moor north Leeds. Hundreds of revels were executed in towns and cities across the north, marking Elizabeth s changing relationship with Catholicism. : England was not the only place in Europe where Protestantism was taking root. However Europe was dominated by catholic powers determined to limit its spread. In France, religious war ended in 1562 (but Elizabeth supported the rebels). In Spain and the Spanish Netherlands, Philip II ( Spanish King) to get back at Elizabeth banned the import of English (and also because English merchants could encourage Protestantism). This resulted in a trade embargo between both countries. : The Netherlands belonged to Spain and since 1550s there was growing resentment about this. Philip II brought the Spanish Inquisition to the Netherlands which united both groups against Spain which triggered the first revolt in 1567, defeated in 1568 leading to the Council of Troubles (by Alba, condemning protestants to death, leading many fleeing to exile in England). In 1567, Elizabeth allowed Dutch Rebels (Sea Beggars from Alba s ships) to shelter in English harbours. Elizabeth also took money from other Spanish ships sheltering in English ports - known as the Genoese Loan (which angered the Spanish) However England did not have the to take on Spain (as the greatest Catholic power). Or worse, France and Spain. This could also threaten civil war in England. Instead, Elizabeth was trying to make Spain s task in the Netherlands as difficult as possible and dilute Catholicism (without going to war). However there were murmurings that the pope/catholic revolt and were working together backing further against Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots was an issue in 1568.. Nobility Papacy Cloth Foreign Powers The Dutch Revolt Resources plots Alba 5
Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 4. The problem of Mary, Queen of Scots a) Mary, Queen of Scots: her claim to the English throne, her arrival in England in 1568. - Mary Queen of Scots was Catholic, Henry VIIIs great granddaughter, second cousin of Elizabeth, her mother was from a powerful Catholic French family. No issues about her legitimacy. In 1560, Mary of Guise had been ruling Scotland for her daughter (in France with her husband Kind Francis II) In 1560 Elizabeth helped Scotland s protestant laws defeat Mary of Guise (sending money). The rebellion ended with the treaty of Edinburgh Mary queen of Scots giving up her claim to the English throne. However Mary herself never approved the treaty wanted to be named as Elizabeth s heir. Mary was accused of murdering her second husband and Protestant Scottish lords rebelled again. This forced Mary to abdicate in favour of her son. She was imprisoned but escaped in 1568! She then raised an army in attempt to win back her thrown! She then fled to England seeking Elizabeth s help! Key Topic 1: Queen government and religion, 1558-69 4. The problem of Mary, Queen of Scots b) Relations between Elizabeth and Mary 1568-69 Mary was held in comfort, but under guard until Elizabeth decided what to do with her. The options were: help Mary regain her thrown, hand over Mary to the Scottish lords, allow Mary to go abroad or keep Mary in England. The two queens never met, but they exchanged letters. Mary asked for a meeting but it was refused. Elizabeth also refused a verdict of innocence that was requested at court: Guilty Elizabeth would be supporting the deposing of a monarch and her cousin. Innocent free to raise an army, with catholic support!! They did not reach any conclusion in court in 1569. Mary stayed in England but remained a threat. (Always posing a claim to the throne and sought by any means to free herself from protection which became captivity). Some think that Elizabeth was jealous of Mary as she was considered very beautiful! Naming a catholic heir could have made divisions in England (her advisers and privy councillor were protestant), increased her status and therefore damaged Elizabeth s position too. 6
Key Topic 2: Challenges to Elizabeth at home at abroad 1569-88 1. Plots and revolts at home a) The reasons for and significance of, the revolt of the Northern Earls, 1569-70 Why did the northern Earls revolt in 1569? The earls and their followers wanted restored in England. The earls had lost a great deal of their influence at court since Elizabeth I became queen. Elizabeth refused to name an heir/marry and have a child creating uncertainty and Mary Queen of Scots in captivity in England could resolve the issues the earls had. The significance of the Revolt of Northern Earls: It was the first and most serious rebellious act by English Catholics against Elizabeth I. The treason laws became harsher and the definition of treason was widened. It ended the power and influence of the Percy and families in the north of England. It prompted treatment of Catholics. In turn, the pope excommunicated Elizabeth in his (written order) marking a turning point for English Catholics their loyalty to Elizabeth was now always in doubt. Catholicism harsher Papal Bull Neville Key Topic 2: Challenges to Elizabeth at home at abroad 1569-88 1. Plots and revolts at home b) The features and significance of the Ridolfi, Throckmortan and Babington plots. Walsingham and the use of spies The Ridolfi Plot 1571. He was a banker from Florence living in England, he was also one of the pope s spies. The Duke of Norfolk led the rebellion. In 1572, parliament demanded the execution of Norfolk and Mary. But Elizabeth would not take action against Mary. The significance of Ridolfi is that it reinforced the threat posed by Mary and the Catholics (so soon after Papul bull), both home and abroad. Anxiety towards Spain s intentions towards Elizabeth increased. Because of this threat, Elizabeth focused on improving relations with France. The Throckmorton plot, 1583: Planned for the French duke of Guise and the cousin of Mary Queen of Scots. Philip II provided financial support and Francis Throckmorton to act as a go between with Mary. The pope also knew of the plans. Throckmonton was arrested in 1583 and executed a year later. Throckmorton s significance His papers listed catholic sympathisers in England supporting that the threat was real. Life became harder for Catholics: 11 000 were imprisoned and another act of parliament made helping a Catholic priest punishable with death. The Babington plot, 1586: In a similar vein, the Duke of Guise would invade England with 60 000 men. Anthony Babington, a catholic with links to the French wrote to Mary about the proposed plot but her letters had been intercepted by Walsingham, so all involved were arrested. Babington and accomplices were convicted in 1586 and hanged, drawn and quartered. Mary was then finally tried and sentenced to death in 1587. The significance of this plot was high because in 1585, relations between England and Spain had broken down and the English were aiding the Dutch, so Elizabeth s situation was even more dangerous. Mary s execution ended any hope of replacing Elizabeth with a catholic heir. Walsingham and the use of spies: In 1573, Sir Francis Walsingham became Elizabeth s secretary of state. He developed a network of spies and played a crucial role in uncovering plots against Elizabeth I. He also used the technique of agents provocateurs to plot and discover traitors. 7
Key Topic 2: Challenges to Elizabeth at home at abroad 1569-88 1. Plots and revolts at home c) The reasons for, and significance of, Mary Queen of Scot s execution in 1587. Reasons for included: The Act for the Preservation of the queen s safety in 1585, barring Mary from succession in the event of assassination and the evidence gathered by Walsingham. Philip II was planning another major attack against England. The significance of her execution: Removed an important threat to Elizabeth I. But Mary left her claim to the English throne to Philip II upon her death. Key Topic 2: Challenges to Elizabeth at home at abroad 1569-88 2. Relations with Spain a) Political and religious rivalry In the 1500s, the nations of Europe were rivals, competing for more territory which often led to war. Religion was another source of conflict. Alliances were also part of foreign policy. Spain and England had traditionally been allies, but once England became protestant, that began to change. Elizabeth I put pressure Philip II by: indirectly helping Protestants resist the Spanish, attacking Spanish ships, pursing friendly relations with France, encouraging others to fight the Spanish in the Netherlands. Key Topic 2: Challenges to Elizabeth at home at abroad 1569-88 2. Relations with Spain b) Commercial rivalry. The New World, privateering and the significance of the activities of Drake. Francis Drake was an English merchant who made his name and fortune travelling in the New World. He also made huge sums of money for people who invested in his voyages, including Elizabeth I. However much of what he did could be considered as piracy! For example during an expedition to the West Indies in 1570-71 he captured numerous Spanish ships and seized their cargoes. As a result, Elizabeth did not publicly welcome Drake home (in a bid to try and approve Anglo- Spanish relations) but privately she was impressed with his achievements. In 1577, Drake set of again, circumnavigated the world, but also privateering having been issued with an order to attack Spain s colonies in the New World. He returned with only one ship (the Golden Hind). He returned with 400 000 Spanish treasure. The significance of Drake s actions: Drake s actions against Spain and her colonies made it clear that England did not accept Spain s dominance of the America s. Drake was a national hero bolstering England s strength as a sea fearing nation. Drake boosted the country s finances. Public knighting of Drake also sent a strong message to Spain. In 1577, Elizabeth sent a lone of 100 000 to Dutch rebels supporting the Pacification of Ghent demanding that all troops were to be expelled from the Netherlands. This was followed by a mercenary and then refusing to support directly, they sought help from a French army. By 1579, Spain s armies began making headway again and in 1584 William of Orange (leader of Dutch Protestant rebels) was assassinated. At the end of 1584 the treaty of Joinville was signed this meant catholic France and Spain were now allies against Protestantism. Key Topic 2: Challenges to Elizabeth at home at abroad 1569-88 a) English direct involvement in the Netherlands, 1585-88. The role of Robert Dudley. 8
3. Outbreak of war with Spain, 1585-88 b) Drake and the raid on Cadiz: Singeing the King of Spain s beard Elizabeth now takes direct action. Refusing to depose King Philip II, she signs the treaty of Nonsuch with the Dutch Protestants, effectively putting England and Spain at war. England would finance an army of 74000 troops under Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester. Philip told the pope he would invade England by the end of 1585. However he was not given enough money Elizabeth still wanted to negotiate. - Drake and the raid on Cadiz: Singeing the King of Spain s beard. Since Jan 1586, Spain had been preparing the Armada, Philip II s mighty invasion fleet. In March 1587, Elizabeth ordered Drake to attack Spain s navy and on 19 th April he sailed into Candiz harbour and destroyed 30 ships in 3 days (and took provisions) this attack is known as the singeing of the king of Spain s beard. Spain therefore had to break off building the Armada to defend against Drake this bought England more time to prepare. Key Topic 2: Challenges to Elizabeth at home at abroad 1569-88 4. The Armada a) Spanish Invasion plans. Reasons why Philip used the Spanish Armada. b) The reasons for and consequences of the English victory. Philip s strategy: 130 ships, 2 431 guns, 30 000 men largest fleet Europe had ever seen. It would sail along the English Channel, to the Netherlands, join the Duke of Parma, transport 27 000 troops to Kent and then march onto London, deposing Elizabeth and imposing a new catholic government in England. - The reasons for and consequence of the English victory. 9
Reasons for: English ship design galleons were easier and faster to manoeuvre and could reload and fire cannon balls more quickly. However England only had 24 galleons. Spanish supplies rotting food at sea for 10 weeks due to bad weather and Drake s raid led to inferior wood for storage barrels. Communications between Philip and The Duke of Parma were slow (and the English were ready to attack). The Duke had not controlled large sea ports in Netherlands. English tactics (keeping a safe distance and firing cannon) Fireships (empty ships on fire to cause confusion) created havoc on 8 August 1588 Battle of Gravelines. Gales also wrecked ships as they tried to turn of the Scottish and Irish coasts thousands were killed. Consequences of English Victory: Victory over the Armada gave Elizabeth a great propaganda victory god clearly seemed to favour Protestantism and Elizabeth was eager to emphasise this. English pride was nurtured. It encouraged the Dutch rebels to renew their fight against the Spanish. The Anglo Dutch alliance became stronger than ever before. The defeat of the Armada also showed the strength of the English navy giving England more confidence to trade and explore more widely on the open sea. Philip however did not give up the war continued for the remainder of Elizabeth s reign fighting a belief that Catholicism was the true religion. But the defeat cost Spain dearly financially and in terms of its power. The Armada marked the beginning of a long decline in Spanish fortunes. Key Topic 3: Elizabethan society in the Age of exploration, 1558-88 1. Education and leisure a) Education in the home, schools and universities b) Sport, pastimes and the theatre - Education in the home, schools and universities The existing social order was very important to Elizabethans and education you might receive was aimed at preparing you for the life you were expected to leave, usually focussing on basic practical skills, but could include basic literacy. Only a small % of children (mainly boys) went to school at all. Very few girls received any formal education in Elizabethan England. Education in the home: The children of nobility learned a variety of subjects such as foreign languages, History, Greek and Philosophy. They also learned upper class skills such as horse-riding and needlework for the girls plus swimming for the boys. The children of noble families were often sent to another noble household, to learn how to become noblemen or make useful social contacts. Middling schools and grammar schools: 42 were found in the 1560s a big change. Grammar schools were for boys. Girls could not attend and were schooled at home. Some grammar schools ran an alternative curriculum for the sons of merchants and craftsmen including Writing, arithmetic and geography. Finally there were some grammar schools available for the children of 10
craftsmen and farmers but much would come from apprenticeships to learn what they would need to run the family business or farm. But as school was not compulsory it would depend on the views of the parents as to whether children would go to school. Education in Universities: Elizabethan England had two universities: Oxford and Cambridge. Unlike today you could start at 14 years old. The highest qualification was a doctorate in Medicine, law or divinity. Leisure: Your social class and gender could also determine what sports and leisure activities you could undertake. The rich and the men had more options. - Sport, pastimes and the theatre Nobility and Gentry: Hunting on horseback, hawking, fishing and fencing (men) and real tennis (men). Noble men would wrestle in private whereas lower class men would take part in public wrestling. Working class football and it was a very violent game! Spectator sports included baiting and cock fighting. Literature theatre, music and dancing were also past times enjoyed. Theatre developed as a result of Protestantism mystery plays brought the bible stories and saint stories to life for an audience. But Elizabeth put a stop to this and they turned to secular plays fearful that the Catholic Church would use plays to control interpretations of the bible. The Earl of Leicester had his own theatre company and the first purpose built theatres were constructed. The Red Lion in Whitechapel 1567. Only men were allowed to act and seating was expensive but theatre was popular with all classes. Elizabethans of all classes were passionate about music. Key Topic 3: Elizabethan society in the Age of exploration, 1558-88 2. The problem of the poor a) The reasons for the increase in poverty and vagabondage during these years. b) The changing attitudes and policies towards the poor. - The reasons for the increase in poverty and vagabondage during these years Population increase. During Elizabeth I reign the population grew by 35%, especially towns and cities especially London. Therefore food prices increase (production in the countryside). Rent went up too, some tenants could not afford to keep their land English wool and exports accounted for 81.6% of England s exports during Elizabeth s reign. Landowners turned to sheep farming but only large farms could afford it. (Required less labour, meant less crop land, crops used to feed sheep not animals). Livestock farmers practised enclosure and easier to drain for arable farming. This led to labourers not land owners becoming poor and less common land for subsistence farming Vagabondage Elizabethan society feared vagabonds as they threatened law and order. Rural depopulation made the problem of vagabondage worse. Trade embargos led to recession and unemployment. Outside London s city walls people built shacks. - The changing attitudes and policies towards the poor The government eventually came to recognise that unemployment was a genuine problem. Key laws to help the poor were passed in 1563, 1572, and 1576 which was the year of the Spanish Fury. Poor relief was paid for by a special local tax. For many Elizabethans, helping the less fortunate is a Christian duty. But the able bodied/idle poor were treated more harshly e.g. whipping and imprisonment if they were caught. Laws were however passed due to a fear of vagrancy and social unrest. The 1572 Vagabonds act was a turning point, as it established a national poor rate for the first time. It also recognised unemployment as a real problem because it gave towns the responsibility of providing work to the able bodied rather than just punishing them for their circumstances. The 1576 Poor Relief Act distinguished between able bodied and impotent poor raw materials such as wool or correction houses set up to help people. 11
Key Topic 3: Elizabethan society in the Age of exploration, 1558-88 3. Exploration and voyages of discovery a) Factors prompting exploration, including the impact of new technology on ships and sailing and the drive to expand trade b) The reasons for and significance of Drake s circumnavigation of the globe. 3. Exploration and voyages of discovery - Factors prompting exploration, including the impact of new technology on ships and sailing and the drive to expand trade - The need for new trade opportunities due to embargos between England and Spain (hitting the wool and cloth trade) Hopes of finding new riches e.g. silver mines in Peru that Spain profited from Triangular trade and profits from John Hawkins voyage 1561-2 Adventure! - New technology Navigation e.g. astrolabe using the position of the stars to help with navigation at see. Printing of more accurate Mercator maps longitude and latitude. - Ship design larger more stable ships built galleons with more space for cargo lowered bow and stern so more stable in heavy seas. Different sales so easier to manoeuvre and more masts for speed. Better fire power with gun decks lining the ship to fire from the side. - The reasons for and significance of Drake s circumnavigation of the globe Reasons: Raid Spanish Colonies in the Pacific. Profits e.g. some estimates put Drake s treasure haul at 500 000 000 in today s money! Significance: England as a great sea fearing nation, encouraging explorations, Nova Albion, encouraging colonies in America, Anglo Spanish damaged relations Key Topic 3: Elizabethan society in the Age of exploration, 1558-88 4. Raleigh and Virginia a) The significance of Raleigh and the attempted colonisation of Virginia b) Reasons for the failure of Virginia 4. Raleigh and Virginia - The significance of Raleigh and the attempted colonisation of Virginia Walter Raleigh is an explorer and associated with popularising tobacco in England. He was given a grant by Elizabeth I to explore and settle in lands in North America. He: organised and raised funds for the establishment of an English colony in Virginia. He promoted the voyage and persuaded people to leave England and settle in Virginia. Appointed a ruler of Virginia and developed a blue print to be used for later English colonisations. By 1586 he had the resources he needed. Why was the colonisation significant? Provided England with a base to attack Spanish colonies in the New World. England hoped to rival Spain s oversees empire. Economic opportunities (tobacco and sugar cane) - Reasons for the failure of Virginia There were two attempts at colonising Virginia at this time and both failed the fate of 1587-90 colonisation is still a mystery but the first failed for a number of reasons: The voyage arrived too late to plant crops and food rotted in heat. Boat also damaged affecting food supplies. Colonists expectations v reality not prepared to work the land. Native American resistance Violent clashes occurred. Finally Roanoke 1587-90 also ended in violent clashes despite a different approach. 12
Topic 3 Quick Fire Quiz: 1. What were the 2 main types of school in Elizabethan times? 2. How did literacy rates change in Elizabethan England? 3. What two key developments were there in theatre during Elizabethan times? 4. Give 3 reasons for increasing poverty in Elizabethan England 5. Give 2 causes and consequences of Drake s circumnavigation of the globe. 13