Elizabethan England Society and Government

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Questions and Answers

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

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

What was at the bottom of the social hierarchy in Elizabethan England?

The poor, including labourers and vagrants.

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

The court consisted mainly of the nobility as key advisors to the monarch.

Who made up the Privy Council in Elizabethan England?

Leading courtiers and advisors chosen by the monarch. Signup and view all the answers

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

Religion had a massive impact on people. Signup and view all the answers

What power did the monarch have regarding government policy?

The monarch could declare war and make peace. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the religion of Elizabeth a challenge in England?

Catholics desired a counter-reformation against the Protestant queen. Signup and view all the answers

What was a feature of the Challenges against Elizabeth regarding the North?

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

What was one feature of the Religious Settlement?

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

What was one reason for the increased importance of education in Elizabethan England?

Protestants argued that people should read the scriptures. Signup and view all the answers

What factor led to the increased demand for food in Elizabethan England?

The population grew significantly from 1551 to 1601. Signup and view all the answers

What was a feature of attitudes towards education in Elizabethan England?

Education was primarily focused on preparing individuals for their expected societal roles. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the Poor Rate in Elizabethan England?

It was a local tax organized by Justices of the Peace to help the poor. Signup and view all the answers

What was one feature of the Babington Plot?

It aimed to invade England and install Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of Drake's circumnavigation?

It increased England's reputation as a sea-faring power. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The social hierarchy in Elizabethan England placed God and the monarch at the top, a concept known as the Divine Right of Kings.
The poor, including labourers and vagrants, occupied the lowest rank in the social structure, holding minimal power.

Government

The royal court, composed mainly of the nobility, served as the monarch's primary advisory body.
The Privy Council, consisting of about 19 members chosen by the monarch, included prominent courtiers like Sir William Cecil.

The Monarch

Elizabeth I believed in her divine right to rule, asserting she was chosen by God.
The monarch had the authority to formulate government policy, including the power to declare war and make peace.

The Virgin Queen

Elizabeth I chose to remain unmarried and childless, leaving no clear heir to the throne.
Concerns regarding her legitimacy stemmed from her parents’ divorce and subsequent marriage, leading many to doubt her capability to govern.

Challenges in England

Northern England posed significant challenges due to a large Catholic population resistant to Protestantism.
Puritan factions also opposed the Church's practices, prompting Elizabeth to adapt religious elements to quell dissent.

Religious Settlement

The Act of Supremacy pronounced Elizabeth as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, establishing state control over religion.
The Act of Uniformity standardized church appearances and worship practices, maintaining religious consistency.

Role of the Church of England

The Church played a critical role in society, balancing the needs of both Catholics and Puritans proved challenging for Elizabeth.
The queen retained ultimate decision-making authority, compelling bishops to enforce her religious policies.

Enforcing the Settlement

Bishops conducted inspections to ensure adherence to the Oath of Supremacy among clergy and laity.
Visitations occurred every three to four years, broadening their scope beyond just church matters.

Spain and the Netherlands

The Spanish king, Philip II, ruled both Spain and the Netherlands following its invasion, amplifying tensions with England.
Philip II's 1563 ban on English cloth imports aimed to prevent the spread of Protestantism, while his marriage proposal to Elizabeth was rejected.

Concerns About Alba's Presence

Alba's military actions against Protestantism in the Netherlands worried Elizabeth, especially due to the threat posed to England.
Elizabeth sought to avoid being perceived as Europe's leading Protestant monarch, expressing her desire for peace despite ongoing conflicts.

Mary, Queen of Scots' Arrival

Many viewed Mary as a legitimate claimant to the throne, questioning Elizabeth's legitimacy.
Mary's Catholic identity attracted factions dissatisfied with Elizabeth's Protestant rule, strengthening her political significance.

Mary, Queen of Scots' Claim to the Throne

Mary had no legitimacy issues, being born to married parents, which elevated her claim.
Her noble lineage and upbringing also bolstered her position as a viable queen.

Two Key Features of Elizabethan Pastimes

Football was a popular yet violent game among lower classes, often resulting in injury or death.
Horse-riding was a favored activity of the nobility, embraced by both men and women.

Raleigh's Attempted Colonization of Virginia

Raleigh dispatched 107 colonists, predominantly men, to establish a foundation for the colony's future.
He selected lower-class individuals and soldiers, believing their resilience would benefit the endeavor.

Features of the Ridolfi Plot

The plot aimed to rescue Mary, Queen of Scots, and marry her to the Duke of Norfolk, reinstating Catholicism in England.
Collaboration with Spanish forces was central to the plot's strategy for toppling Elizabeth.

Features of the Throckmorton Plot

The plot involved a foreign invasion to overstress Elizabeth’s rule and reinstate Mary as queen.
Discovery of incriminating documents led to Throckmorton's arrest, revealing his involvement and resulting in his execution.

Significance of the Throckmorton Plot

Highlighted major threats from foreign powers and domestic Catholic factions against Elizabeth.
Prompted increased suspicion and legal action against English Catholics, culminating in severe penalties regarding aid to priests.

Features of the Babington Plot

The plot mirrored previous schemes, intending for the Duke of Guise to invade and eliminate Elizabeth while placing Mary on the throne.
Walsingham's interception of letters proved Mary's complicity, solidifying the case against her.

Significance of the Babington Plot

Resulted in the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, dramatically intensifying Elizabeth's security concerns.
Signaled the government's resolve to address and eliminate perceived Catholic threats more aggressively.

Features of Early Elizabethan Theatre

Theatre attendance surged, leading to the construction of numerous venues.
Only males performed on stage, with young boys playing female roles.

Importance of Education in Elizabethan England

Increased emphasis on reading to facilitate scripture study among Protestants boosted literacy rates.
The era's expanding trade demanded literate individuals proficient in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Two Features of Education in Elizabethan England

New grammar schools catered to boys aged 10-14, diversifying education away from Church influence.
Education for girls was minimal; affluent girls might attend Dame Schools or hire private tutors.

Attitudes towards Education

A mere 15-20% literacy rate indicated education was primarily tailored for the wealthy, focusing on socially assigned roles.
High fees deterred the majority from education, reinforcing beliefs that schooling was a privilege of the rich.

Reasons for Poverty in Elizabethan England

Population growth from 3 million to 4.2 million heightened food demand and made self-sufficiency difficult for many.
Enclosure of once-common land restricted access to resources, exacerbating food insecurity.

Attitudes to Poverty in Elizabethan England

Growing fear that poverty could incite disorder and rebellion shifted attitudes toward the poor.
Distinction emerged between the "deserving" poor, needing aid, and the "idle" poor, seen as deserving punishment.

Policies Towards the Poor

The Poor Rate functioned as a local tax to support the poor's welfare, providing resources for livelihood.
The 1572 Vagabonds Act introduced harsh penalties for vagrancy, recognizing the necessity for vocational assistance to the poor.

Factors Promoting Exploration

Need for new trading opportunities due to war-induced downturns in the wool trade spurred exploration.
Innovations in ship design enabled longer voyages with greater safety and cargo capacity.

Factors Encouraging Exploration

Investment from Elizabeth and courtiers incentivized riskier ventures with potential for high rewards.
Standardized maps built sailors' confidence, reducing navigational uncertainties.

Reasons for Drake's Circumnavigation

Initially aimed at raiding Spanish colonies rather than circumnavigation, stemming from deteriorating Anglo-Spanish relations.
Potential financial gains attracted considerable investment for Drake's venture, including from the queen.

Significance of Drake's Circumnavigation

Enhanced England's maritime reputation despite only one ship surviving, showcasing naval capabilities.
Strengthened the perception of the navy as a crucial means of national defense and trade protection.

Declining Relations with Spain due to Drake

Drake's claims to North American territory ignited conflicts with the Catholic Church, which had vested interests in Spain's claims.
Elizabeth's knighting of Drake intensified tensions, convincing Philip II that war was unavoidable.

Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569)

Discontented earls sought to restore Catholicism and regain lost political influence under Elizabeth.
The revolt represented a significant early challenge to Elizabeth’s reign, aiming to position Mary as queen with Spanish support.

Significance of the Revolt of the Northern Earls

Resulted in stricter treason laws and expanded definitions of treason in response to perceived threats.
Despite Elizabeth's harsh retaliation, many Northern Catholics remained loyal, but the rebellion led to the Pope excommunicating Elizabeth, raising doubts about Catholic loyalty.

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Description

This quiz explores the key features of the social structure and government in Elizabethan England. It examines the hierarchy of society, the role of the monarch, and the significance of the Church of England. Test your knowledge on the Privy Council and the intricacies of governance during this historical period.