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The Elizabethans ((Key themes of the Elizabethan era, The key themes…
The Elizabethans
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Foreign affairs
Elizabeth faced challenges from France and Spain during her reign. These countries were more powerful, wealthier, and Catholic.
France began as the biggest threat due to their strong links with Mary, Queen of Scots - but civil war in France and Elizabeth’s sensible diplomacy minimised this risk.
Spain turned out to be the bigger threat. During Elizabeth’s reign, tensions built between the two countries, culminating in the Spanish Armada in 1588 – Spain’s failed attempt to invade England and overthrow Elizabeth. England’s victory over Spain was a highpoint for Elizabeth and she seized on the propaganda opportunity to further boost her image and international status.
Religion
In the 16th century England was divided by religion. The country had been a Catholic country for nearly a thousand years until Henry VIII’s reign, then, over a 20 year period, the country’s religion had changed three times, causing tension and divisions.
When Elizabeth ascended to the throne she changed the official religion to Protestantism, but also outlined a religious settlement that allowed some Catholic traditions to be practised. Parliament helped by passing the Act of Supremacy and the Act of Uniformity.
Elizabeth’s tolerant ‘middle-way’ had broad support, but she did face threats and plots from Catholics and Puritans, with Mary Queen of Scots becoming a figure head for Catholic plots, such as the Babington Plot in 1586.
Economy and society
The Elizabethans believed that God had set out an order for everything, known as the Great Chain of Being. This also included the order of society and your place in it. The queen was at the top and controlled wealth and life chances, and inequalities further down the chain were accepted.
Poverty was mostly considered to be the individual’s fault in Elizabethan times. However, during Elizabeth’s reign the Poor Laws were introduced as measures to support the poor and unemployed, because of growing poverty and a fear of social unrest. They were the first form of welfare.
Elizabeth’s reign was seen as a ‘golden age’ of culture, with theatre becoming popular across all of society. This is also when Shakespeare wrote many of his plays.
Government
Queen Elizabeth I was sovereign of England, meaning she had the upmost authority and rule, and all agents of government were answerable to her. She surrounded herself with a loyal group of advisers (called the Privy Council) to guide her.
Elizabeth tightly controlled Parliament and set the agenda of what it was allowed to discuss and pass laws about. However, during her reign Parliament did become more influential and was in conflict with Elizabeth over issues such as religion, marriage and her monopoly licences.
Elizabeth was the daughter of Henry VIII, the most notorious of all the Tudors, and his second wife Anne Boleyn. She became queen aged just 25 after the death of her brother Edward VI and sister Mary I.
The 16th century witnessed more religious change than ever before and Elizabeth’s main priority was to settle the nation and ensure England’s national security. She was a clever politician with a cautious approach, and was sometimes willing to compromise for the sake of her people. She never married, deciding to put the security of England before herself.
Law and order
Elizabeth faced challenges throughout her long reign. Many were from Catholic plotters wanting Mary, Queen of Scots to replace Elizabeth. She secured England’s security by thwarting plots such as the Northern Earls’ Rebellion, the Throckmorton Plot and the Babington Plot.
The Elizabethan era in the 16th century was one of adventure, intrigue, personalities, plots and power struggles. At the centre was Elizabeth, ‘The Virgin Queen’, who ruled England between 1558-1603.
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