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What was one key feature of the social structure in Elizabethan England?

God and the monarch were at the top of the social hierarchy.

What was another key feature of the social structure in Elizabethan England?

The poor were found at the bottom of the social hierarchy.

What was one key feature of the government in Elizabethan England?

The court was a body of people who lived in the same area as the monarch.

What was another key feature of the government in Elizabethan England?

The Privy Council was composed of leading courtiers and advisors. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of the monarch in Elizabethan England?

The monarch believed they had the right to rule by the grace of God. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of the monarch in Elizabethan England?

The monarch was allowed to make government policy. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of the Virgin Queen?

She never got married and didn't have any children. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of the Virgin Queen?

She was seen as illegitimate due to her parents' divorce. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of the challenges faced by Elizabeth?

Most challenges came from northern England where many Catholics lived. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of the challenges against Elizabeth at home?

Puritans sought a counter-reformation. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of the religious settlement in Elizabethan England?

The Act of Supremacy made Elizabeth the supreme governor of the Church of England. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of the religious settlement?

The Act of Uniformity established the appearance of churches and the form of services. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of the role of the Church of England?

Religion could have a massive impact on people's lives. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of the role of the Church of England?

The Queen made all decisions, and bishops had to obey her choices. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of enforcing the settlement?

There were inspections of churches and clergy by bishops. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of enforcing the settlement?

Visitations took place every three to four years. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of Spain and the Spanish Netherlands?

The Netherlands was invaded by Spain. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of the Spanish Netherlands?

In 1563, Philip II banned the import of English cloth to the Netherlands. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of why Elizabeth was concerned about Alba's presence in the Netherlands?

Alba was within striking distance of England. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of Elizabeth's concerns?

She didn't want to be seen as Europe's leading Protestant monarch. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of Mary, Queen of Scots' arrival in England?

Many believed Elizabeth was illegitimate and had no right to the throne. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of Mary's arrival in England?

Mary appealed to disgruntled Catholics who opposed Elizabeth's Protestantism. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of Mary, Queen of Scots' claim to the throne?

There were no issues with her legitimacy. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of Mary's claim to the throne?

Her mother came from a very noble family. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of Elizabethan pastimes?

Football was played mainly by the lower classes. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of Elizabethan pastimes?

Horse riding was enjoyed by the nobility. Signup and view all the answers

What was one key feature of Raleigh's attempted colonization of Virginia?

He sent 107 colonists, mainly men. Signup and view all the answers

What was another key feature of Raleigh's colonization attempt?

He chose mainly lower-class individuals and soldiers as colonists. Signup and view all the answers

What was one feature of the Ridolfi Plot?

It aimed to free Mary Queen of Scots and marry her to the Duke of Norfolk. Signup and view all the answers

What was another feature of the Ridolfi Plot?

It involved foreign collaboration to execute the plan. Signup and view all the answers

What was one feature of the Throckmorton Plot?

The French Duke of Guise plotted to invade England. Signup and view all the answers

What was another feature of the Throckmorton Plot?

Francis Throckmorton passed letters between the plotters. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significance of the Throckmorton Plot?

It highlighted the threat from foreign Catholic powers. Signup and view all the answers

What was another significance of the Throckmorton Plot?

It resulted in harsher treason laws being enacted. Signup and view all the answers

What was one feature of the Babington Plot?

The Duke of Guise planned to invade England and murder Elizabeth. Signup and view all the answers

What was another feature of the Babington Plot?

Sir Francis Walsingham intercepted letters showing Mary's involvement. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significance of the Babington Plot?

It led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. Signup and view all the answers

What was another significance of the Babington Plot?

Elizabeth's situation became more precarious due to growing tensions. Signup and view all the answers

What was one feature of the theatre in early Elizabethan England?

Theatre gained immense popularity, leading to the construction of many new theatres. Signup and view all the answers

What was another feature of theatre in early Elizabethan England?

Only men were allowed to act in the theatre, and boys played female roles. Signup and view all the answers

Why did education become more important in Elizabethan England?

Protestants argued for the ability to study the scriptures, increasing literacy. Signup and view all the answers

What was one feature of education during Elizabethan times?

New grammar schools for boys allowed education independent of the Church. Signup and view all the answers

What was another feature of education during Elizabethan times?

Many girls received no education as it was felt unnecessary. Signup and view all the answers

What was one factor promoting poverty in Elizabethan England?

The population grew significantly, increasing demand for food. Signup and view all the answers

What was another factor promoting poverty in Elizabethan England?

The enclosure of land meant many lost access to common land. Signup and view all the answers

What was one attitude towards poverty in Elizabethan England?

Poverty was feared as a potential cause of disorder. Signup and view all the answers

What was another attitude towards poverty in Elizabethan England?

There was a perception that education primarily benefited the wealthy. Signup and view all the answers

What was one policy towards the poor during Elizabethan times?

The Poor Rate was established as a local tax to aid the poor. Signup and view all the answers

What was another policy towards the poor during Elizabethan times?

The Vagabonds Act in 1572 allowed for severe punishments for vagrancy. Signup and view all the answers

What was one factor promoting exploration in Elizabethan times?

Expanding trade led English merchants to seek new opportunities. Signup and view all the answers

What was another factor promoting exploration in Elizabethan times?

Improvements in ship design made voyages faster and safer. Signup and view all the answers

What was one factor encouraging exploration in Elizabethan times?

Funding from private investors, including Elizabeth and her courtiers. Signup and view all the answers

What was another factor encouraging exploration in Elizabethan times?

The development of standardized maps boosted sailors' confidence. Signup and view all the answers

What was one reason why Drake circumnavigated the globe?

Drake aimed to raid Spanish colonies in the Pacific. Signup and view all the answers

What was another reason why Drake circumnavigated the globe?

There was significant potential for profit that attracted investors. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significance of Drake's circumnavigation?

Despite only one ship surviving, England's reputation as a sea power increased. Signup and view all the answers

What was another significance of Drake's circumnavigation?

England's navy became viewed as their best means of defense. Signup and view all the answers

What was one feature of declining relations with Spain because of Drake?

Drake's voyage claimed the right to rule much of North America. Signup and view all the answers

What was another feature of declining relations with Spain because of Drake?

The knighting of Drake by Elizabeth I angered Philip II. Signup and view all the answers

What was one feature of the revolt of the Northern Earls in 1569?

The earls sought to restore Catholicism and regain political influence. Signup and view all the answers

What was another feature of the revolt of the Northern Earls?

They plotted to marry Mary, Queen of Scots to the Duke of Norfolk. Signup and view all the answers

What was one significance of the revolt of the Northern Earls?

Treason laws became harsher and redefined. Signup and view all the answers

What was another significance of the revolt of the Northern Earls?

The Pope excommunicated Elizabeth following this revolt. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The social hierarchy in Elizabethan England placed God and the monarch at the apex, reflecting the belief in the Divine Right of Kings.
The poor, including laborers and vagrants, occupied the lowest tier of society, holding minimal influence or power.

Government

The court, composed mostly of nobility, served as the monarch's close advisors and functioned within the same locale as the Queen.
The Privy Council included around 19 key courtiers like Sir William Cecil, selected by the monarch to guide governance.

The Monarch

Monarchs claimed to rule "by the grace of God," asserting divine rights to authority.
Monarchs were empowered to establish government policy, including decisions on war and peace.

The Virgin Queen

Elizabeth never married or had children, resulting in no direct heir to the throne.
Her perceived illegitimacy, due to her parents' divorce, raised concerns about her ability to govern effectively.

Challenges in England

Northern England presented significant challenges, primarily from Catholic populations aiming for a counter-reformation.
Puritan groups also challenged Elizabeth, opposing certain practices in the Church of England.

Religious Settlement

The Act of Supremacy declared Elizabeth as the supreme governor of the Church of England, establishing her authority.
The Act of Uniformity defined church appearances and the structure of services, standardizing religious practice.

The Role of the Church of England

The Church had a profound societal impact, with efforts made to balance the needs of Catholics and Puritans.
The Queen made ecclesiastical decisions, commanding bishops to enforce her directives.

Enforcing the Settlement

Bishops conducted church inspections to ensure adherence to the oath of supremacy among clergy.
Regular visitations occurred every few years, examining not just the church but other societal aspects too.

Spain and the Netherlands

Spain, under Phillip II, took control of the Netherlands, exacerbating tensions with England.
Phillip II attempted to counter English influence, banning English cloth imports in 1563 to curb Protestant support.

Elizabeth's Concerns about Alba's Presence

Alba’s presence in the Netherlands posed a threat due to the proximity to England and the Protestant mission he represented.
Elizabeth wanted to avoid being seen as a leading Protestant monarch and condemned Dutch rebels despite their arrival in England.

Mary, Queen of Scots' Arrival in England

Mary’s claim to the throne was viewed as legitimate, challenging Elizabeth's rule among those questioning her legitimacy.
Mary became a rallying figure for disgruntled Catholics opposed to Elizabeth's Protestant reforms.

Mary, Queen of Scots' Claim to the Throne

Mary’s legitimacy derived from being born to married parents, unlike Elizabeth, fueling claims to the throne.
Her noble lineage lent credibility to her claim, as she descended from powerful, respected families.

Elizabethan Pastimes

Football, primarily played by the lower classes, was a rough sport with few rules, resulting in frequent injuries.
Horse riding was a favored activity among the nobility, enjoyed by both men and women.

Raleigh's Attempted Colonization of Virginia

Raleigh dispatched 107 colonists, predominantly men, ensuring future population growth in the colony.
Many chosen colonists were lower-class individuals and soldiers, experienced in hardship and self-defense.

The Ridolfi Plot

The Ridolfi Plot sought to free Mary Queen of Scots, marrying her to the Duke of Norfolk to restore Catholicism in England.
Collaboration with Spain aimed to dethrone Elizabeth through military action.

The Throckmorton Plot (1583)

The plot involved a French duke's plan to invade England, freeing Mary and reinstating Catholicism.
Discovery by Sir Francis Walsingham led to Throckmorton's arrest, torture, and eventual execution.

Significance of the Throckmorton Plot

The plot underscored the substantial threat posed by foreign Catholic alliances and domestic Catholic sentiment.
Resulted in increased suspicion of English Catholics and harsher penal laws for aiding Catholic priests.

The Babington Plot (1586)

This plot mirrored earlier conspiracies, with a plan to murder Elizabeth and place Mary on the throne with foreign support.
Walsingham intercepted correspondence confirming Mary's involvement in the conspiracy.

Significance of the Babington Plot

The plot culminated in Mary, Queen of Scots’ execution, significantly impacting Elizabeth's political stability.
It prompted a more aggressive stance against Catholic threats during heightened tensions with Spain.

Early Elizabethan Theatre

Theatre gained immense popularity, leading to the creation of numerous new venues.
Performance roles were exclusively male, with boys portraying female characters.

Importance of Education in Elizabethan England

Protestant advocates emphasized literacy for scriptural study, driving the need for education.
Economic needs increased literacy among the populace, promoting reading and writing skills for trade purposes.

Features of Education in Elizabethan England

New grammar schools emerged for boys, independent of Church influence, with scholarships for lower-income students.
Girls received limited education, though wealthier families could afford private tutors or attended Dame Schools.

Attitudes towards Education

Only 15-20% of the population could read and write, as education aimed to fulfill societal roles rather than academic pursuit.
School access was largely restricted by fees, leading to a view that education was primarily for the wealthy.

Reasons for Poverty in Elizabethan England

Population growth from 3 million in 1551 to 4.2 million by 1601 strained food supplies and labor markets.
Land enclosure reduced access to common land, diminishing the ability to grow food.

Attitudes towards Poverty in Elizabethan England

There was a growing fear that poverty might lead to social disorder; views on the poor became increasingly stigmatized.
Society differentiated between the "deserving poor" needing assistance and the "idle poor," deemed culpable for their situation.

Policies towards the Poor

The Poor Rate established a local tax for the welfare of the needy, helping them achieve self-sufficiency.
The 1572 Vagabonds Act allowed punishment for vagrancy, while also acknowledging the need for work provisions for the poor.

Factors Promoting Exploration

Expansion in trade and the quest for new markets drove English merchants to seek broader opportunities abroad.
Advancements in ship design enhanced speed, maneuverability, and capacity for long voyages, encouraging maritime exploration.

Encouragement for Exploration

Private funding from investors, including Elizabeth and courtiers, made exploration financially viable despite inherent risks.
Standardized maps provided navigational confidence, supporting ventures into unknown territories.

Reasons for Drake's Circumnavigation

Drake's primary objective was to raid Spanish territories, with circumnavigation evolving as a secondary goal.
Financial incentives drove investment in the expedition, supported by Elizabeth I.

Significance of Drake's Circumnavigation

Despite losing most ships, his single surviving vessel boosted England's maritime reputation.
The voyage solidified the perception of the navy as crucial for England's national defense and trade protection.

Declining Relations with Spain Due to Drake

Drake’s actions claimed territorial rights in North America, challenging Spanish authority and the Pope's endorsement.
Elizabeth's knighting of Drake provoked the ire of Phillip II, eroding diplomatic relations and setting the stage for conflict.

Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569)

Discontent among earls stemmed from a loss of influence under Elizabeth; they sought to restore Catholicism.
The revolt was significant as the first major opposition to Elizabeth's reign, involving plans to replace her with Mary.

Significance of the Revolt of the Northern Earls

Resulted in stricter treason laws and wider definitions of treason, highlighting governance threats.
Elizabeth’s brutal response indicated the severity with which she viewed such uprisings, though many northern Catholics remained loyal.

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