England, 1485–1603 – Instability and consolidation: 'the Mid-Tudor…

The idea

Elizabeth I’s accession in 1558 required immediate consolidation of power due to her gender, questionable legitimacy, and the religious divisions left by Mary I. Her character—highly educated, cautious, and politically astute—shaped her primary aims: securing her throne, achieving religious stability, and avoiding ruinous foreign wars. She consolidated power by retaining experienced councillors like William Cecil. The 1559 Elizabethan Settlement (Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity) established a moderate Protestant Church, balancing reformist demands with Catholic traditions to minimise rebellion. In foreign relations, she navigated the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis (1559) to end war with France and cautiously managed the threat of a Catholic Franco-Scottish alliance, demonstrating her pragmatic approach to diplomacy.

What earns the marks

• Evaluate how Elizabeth's cautious character and humanist education influenced her political decision-making and choice of Privy Councillors.
• Assess the methods used to consolidate her authority in 1558, including her coronation, management of Parliament, and appointment of William Cecil.
• Analyse the components of the 1559 Religious Settlement (Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity, Royal Injunctions) as a tool for political and religious consolidation.
• Examine early foreign policy aims, specifically the resolution of the French war via the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis and the handling of the French threat in Scotland.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Claiming the Elizabethan Settlement was entirely Protestant and satisfied all reformers.

  Put it right: Acknowledge that the Settlement was a compromise ('via media') that retained Catholic vestments and ambiguous communion phrasing, which frustrated radical Puritans.

• Stating Elizabeth wanted aggressive expansionist foreign wars.

  Put it right: Emphasise that her primary foreign policy aim was national security and financial preservation, leading to defensive and cautious diplomacy.

• Assuming Elizabeth's gender made her entirely dependent on male advisors.

  Put it right: Recognise that while she relied on figures like Cecil, she actively manipulated her court, used her gender to her diplomatic advantage, and retained ultimate decision-making power.

Exam tips

• Link Elizabeth's personal character traits, such as her pragmatism and caution, directly to the specific terms of the 1559 Religious Settlement.
• When discussing consolidation of power, contrast her smooth accession and immediate political appointments with the instability of the preceding 'Mid-Tudor Crisis'.
• Use the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis as concrete evidence of her prioritising financial recovery and national security over dynastic glory.