Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The extent of faction at court and the succession issue.
Full specification wording
Was there a general crisis of government in the last years of Elizabeth I’s reign, 1589–1603?: The extent of faction at court and the succession issue.
In the final years of Elizabeth I’s reign (1589–1603), the extent of faction at court involved rival groupings competing for royal favour and patronage.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
- 3 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In the final years of Elizabeth I’s reign (1589–1603), the extent of faction at court involved rival groupings competing for royal favour and patronage. The succession issue intensified this instability, as Elizabeth remained unmarried with no named heir, leading factions to align behind potential successors like James VI of Scotland. Key figures in this factional rivalry included Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, and Robert Cecil. The extent of faction can be assessed by examining whether rivalry paralysed government decisions or merely reflected personal ambition.
For example: Essex's rebellion in 1601 illustrates how factional competition and the denial of patronage could escalate into treason, highlighting the potential for a general crisis of government during this period.
What earns the marks
- Explains the extent of faction at court between 1589 and 1603, focusing on the intense rivalry between Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, and Robert Cecil.
- Analyses how the succession issue exacerbated factional tensions, as Elizabeth's refusal to name an heir led courtiers to secretly negotiate with James VI of Scotland.
- Assesses the impact of faction on government efficiency, debating whether it caused a general crisis or was successfully managed by the Queen until 1601.
- Evaluates Essex's rebellion (1601) as a key example of factionalism escalating into open treason due to a loss of royal favour and patronage.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing Robert Dudley (Earl of Leicester) with Robert Devereux (Earl of Essex).
Put it right: Dudley died in 1588; focus on Essex's dominance and rebellion in the 1589–1603 period.
Assuming the succession issue was openly debated in Parliament.
Put it right: Elizabeth strictly forbade discussion of the succession, forcing factions to manoeuvre secretly.
Concluding that faction completely destroyed Elizabethan government.
Put it right: While faction caused instability, Cecil's eventual dominance ensured a relatively smooth transition of power to James I.
Exam tips
- Focus strictly on the 1589–1603 period when evaluating the extent of faction, using Essex's 1601 rebellion as a concrete example of crisis.
- Link the succession issue directly to factional behaviour, showing how uncertainty about the future drove courtiers to secure their positions.
Try the lesson
The start of the Was there a general crisis of government in the last years of Elizabeth I’s reign, 1589–1603?: The extent of faction at court and the succession issue. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How did the nature of factional rivalry at court change during the final years of Elizabeth I's reign (1589–1603)?
Listen
In the final years of Elizabeth I’s reign (1589–1603), the extent of faction at court involved rival groupings competing for royal favour and patronage. The succession issue intensified this instability, as Elizabeth remained unmarried with no named heir, leading factions to align behind potential successors like James VI of Scotland. Key figures in this factional rivalry included Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, and Robert Cecil. The extent of faction can be assessed by examining whether rivalry paralysed government decisions or merely reflected personal ambition. For example, Essex's rebellion in 1601 illustrates how factional competition and the denial of patronage could escalate into treason, highlighting the potential for a general crisis of government during this period. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains the extent of faction at court between 1589 and 1603, focusing on the intense rivalry between Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, and Robert Cecil. Analyses how the succession issue exacerbated factional tensions, as Elizabeth's refusal to name an heir led courtiers to secretly negotiate with James VI of Scotland. Assesses the impact of faction on government efficiency, debating whether it caused a general crisis or was successfully managed by the Queen until 1601. Evaluates Essex's rebellion (1601) as a key example of factionalism escalating into open treason due to a loss of royal favour and patronage. A common slip: Confusing Robert Dudley (Earl of Leicester) with Robert Devereux (Earl of Essex). Instead, Dudley died in 1588; focus on Essex's dominance and rebellion in the 1589–1603 period. Exam tip: Focus strictly on the 1589–1603 period when evaluating the extent of faction, using Essex's 1601 rebellion as a concrete example of crisis.
Key words
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The extent of faction at court
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The succession issue
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Essex's rebellion
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See every definition
- The extent of faction at court
- Rival groupings competing for royal favour and patronage, which can be assessed by examining whether rivalry paralysed government decisions or merely reflected personal ambition.
- The succession issue
- Elizabeth remained unmarried with no named heir, which intensified instability and led factions to align behind potential successors like James VI of Scotland.
- Essex's rebellion
- Arising in 1601, it illustrates how factional competition and the denial of patronage could escalate into treason, highlighting the potential for a general crisis of government.
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