Overview
The lecture covers the reign of Elizabeth I, focusing on her path to the throne, the structure of Elizabethan government, religious changes, internal and external threats, society and culture, English exploration, and the conflict with Spain, culminating in the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
Elizabeth I's Path to the Throne
- Henry VIII desired a male heir, but Elizabeth was born to Anne Boleyn in 1533, leading to disappointment.
- After her mother's execution, Elizabeth was declared illegitimate but received a royal education.
- Elizabeth's succession was unlikely until the deaths of siblings Edward VI and Mary I.
- Imprisoned during Mary's reign, Elizabeth became Queen in 1558 after Mary's death.
Structure of Elizabethan Government
- Elizabeth held ultimate authority: calling Parliament, declaring war, appointing/dismissing ministers, and naming successors.
- The Royal Court surrounded Elizabeth, including the Privy Council, her most trusted advisers.
- Parliament was divided into House of Lords (nobility, bishops) and Commons (elected); called rarely, mainly for taxes.
- Local governance done by Lord Lieutenants (militias) and Justices of Peace (law and order).
Key Government Figures
- William Cecil (Lord Burghley): key adviser, Secretary of State, Lord Treasurer.
- Robert Dudley (Earl of Leicester): close adviser, rumored romantic interest, Protestant, involved in scandals.
- Francis Walsingham: Elizabeth’s spymaster, ran a network of spies and agent provocateurs.
Elizabethan Religious Settlement
- Elizabeth inherited religious instability; Catholics, Protestants, and Puritans had diverging beliefs.
- 1559 Act of Uniformity: made church attendance mandatory, introduced the Book of Common Prayer.
- 1559 Act of Supremacy: Elizabeth made Supreme Governor of the Church of England; clergy swore allegiance.
- These settlements sought compromise but bred discontent among Catholics and radical Protestants.
Threats to Elizabeth's Reign
- Mary, Queen of Scots, a Catholic and legitimate heir for some, was a major threat and held captive for 18 years.
- Rebellions: 1569 Northern Rebellion (defeated), 1571 Ridolfi plot, 1583 Throckmorton Plot, 1586 Babington Plot—all aimed to replace Elizabeth with Mary.
- Execution of Mary in 1587 after proof of involvement in plots.
- Puritan challenges: pressed for stricter reforms, but Elizabeth suppressed their influence.
Elizabethan Society and Culture
- Social structure: monarchy, nobility, gentry (rising in influence), commoners.
- Dissolution of monasteries and overseas trade boosted the gentry.
- Theatre flourished (Shakespeare, Marlowe); audience reflected social hierarchy.
- Poverty increased due to inflation, population growth, and dissolution of monasteries.
- Poor Laws (statute of artificers, poor relief acts) provided state aid to the needy.
English Exploration and Expansion
- John Hawkins and Francis Drake engaged in the slave trade and piracy against Spanish ships.
- Drake circumnavigated the globe (1577–1580), enhancing English naval reputation.
- Trade companies (Muscovy, Levant, East India) founded; Walter Raleigh began colonization attempts.
- Colonization and piracy increased tensions with Spain.
Conflict with Spain and the Spanish Armada
- Deterioration of Anglo-Spanish relations caused by religious differences, piracy, and Elizabeth’s support for Dutch rebels.
- Philip II of Spain built the Armada to invade England in 1588.
- The Armada failed due to English tactics, fire ships, weather, and poor Spanish planning.
- Defeat of the Armada bolstered Elizabeth's reputation but the war continued until her death.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Privy Council — Elizabeth’s inner circle of advisers managing administration.
- Act of Supremacy — 1559 law making Elizabeth Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
- Act of Uniformity — 1559 law standardizing church worship and attendance.
- Gentry — Social class of landowners below the nobility.
- Spanish Armada — Spanish naval fleet sent to invade England in 1588.
- Puritans — Radical Protestants seeking further church reforms.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the significance and impact of the 1559 Acts.
- Prepare for past paper questions on Elizabethan government, society, and the Spanish Armada.
- Revisit the roles of key figures like Cecil, Dudley, and Walsingham.