The situation on Elizabeth’s accession Flashcards

All 9 cards in this deck

What was the role of Justices of the Peace in Elizabethan England?

They were appointed by the Queen to manage law and order in their local areas.

Who was William Cecil?

Elizabeth's chief minister (Secretary of State), an example of her appointing ministers with political experience.

Why did some English Catholics regard Elizabeth as illegitimate in 1558?

They did not recognise Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn as legal.

Give one problem Elizabeth faced in 1558 because of her gender and marital status.

As an unmarried woman, many people felt she was not capable of ruling the country.

What financial situation did Elizabeth inherit in 1558?

A large crown debt, making it hard to raise an army or manage state affairs, so she needed Parliament to vote taxes.

Which French town had England recently lost when Elizabeth became queen?

Calais, lost in 1558 as the war with France went badly.

Which marriage of 1558 increased the French threat to Elizabeth?

Mary, Queen of Scots married the Dauphin, heir to the French throne, strengthening ties between France and Scotland.

Give one reason for religious divisions in England in 1558.

The official religion had switched between Protestant and Catholic under Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I, leaving people divided.

What was the debasement of the coinage, and why was it a problem in 1558?

In the 1540s and early 1550s the Crown had cut the gold and silver content of coins to raise money for wars. Coins lost value, prices rose and trust in English money fell.