Lecture on Elizabeth I and her Reign

Introduction to Elizabeth I's Early Life

• Birth and Disappointment: Born on September 7th, 1533, to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth's birth was met with disappointment as a male heir was expected.
• Declared Illegitimate: After Anne Boleyn's execution, Elizabeth was declared illegitimate but still received a royal education.
• Influences: Influenced by Katherine Parr, Henry's sixth wife, in her Protestant beliefs.

Path to the Throne

• Sibling Succession: Elizabeth became queen after the deaths of her half-siblings, Edward VI and Mary I.
• Mary I's Reign: Known for restoring Catholicism and persecuting Protestants, earning her the nickname "Bloody Mary".
• Imprisonment: Elizabeth was imprisoned during Mary's reign due to alleged involvement in the Wyatt Rebellion.

Government Structure Under Elizabeth

• Queen's Powers: Elizabeth had authority over Parliament, war declarations, and succession.
• Royal Court: Comprised of over 1,000 people, including servants, nobility, and advisors.
• Privy Council: Key advisors helping manage government and advising the queen.
• System of Patronage: Used to maintain loyalty among nobles by granting and revoking titles.

Key Government Figures

• William Cecil: Elizabeth's longest-serving advisor, responsible for financial matters.
• Robert Dudley: Close advisor with rumors of romance with Elizabeth, involved in scandals.
• Francis Walsingham: Elizabeth's spymaster, managed a network of spies.

Elizabeth's Challenges and Policies

• Religious Instability: Managed various religious factions, including Catholics, Protestants, and Puritans.
• Marriage Contenders: Declined several suitors to maintain control over English affairs; remained unmarried.
• Northern Rebellion and Mary Queen of Scots: Faced threats from Catholic factions and the legitimate claim of Mary Queen of Scots.
• Essex Rebellion: A failed attempt to overthrow Elizabeth by Robert Devereux.

Religious Settlement

• Religious Beliefs: Raised Protestant but had to navigate a religiously divided England.
• Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity (1559): Established Protestant dominance while appeasing Catholics and Puritans.

Elizabethan Society and Culture

• Social Structure: Society was rigid with defined roles; rise of the Gentry class.
• Theater and Arts: Flourished with figures like William Shakespeare; mirrored societal tensions.
• Economic Challenges: Despite cultural achievements, poverty was significant.

Exploration and Foreign Policy

• Age of Exploration: Figures like Francis Drake contributed to naval dominance.
• Spanish Armada: Defeated in 1588, enhancing Elizabeth's reputation.
• War with Spain: Ongoing conflicts influenced by religious and political tensions.

Conclusion

• Legacy: Elizabeth's reign was marked by religious and political challenges but ultimately stabilized England.
• Death: Died in 1603, succeeded by James I, marking the end of the Tudor dynasty.

These notes cover the key points from the lecture on Elizabeth I, providing an overview of her reign, challenges, and policies. It highlights her significant contributions to stabilizing England and managing its religious and political landscape.