Question 1

Why did Elizabeth I never marry?

Accepted Answer

Elizabeth used the possibility of marriage as a diplomatic tool, negotiating with suitors like the Duke of Anjou to secure alliances. She also saw marriage as a threat to her authority, as a husband would expect to rule. By remaining the ‘Virgin Queen’, she maintained her independence and cultivated an image of purity and devotion to England. Additionally, the experience of her sister Mary I’s unpopular marriage to Philip II of Spain made her cautious.

Question 2

What was the Elizabethan Poor Law and why was it introduced?

Accepted Answer

The Elizabethan Poor Law (1601) was a system of parish-based poor relief. It was introduced because of rising poverty due to population growth, inflation, and the dissolution of monasteries (which had previously provided charity). The law distinguished between the ‘deserving poor’ (the old, sick, and unemployed) who received outdoor relief (money or food) and the ‘undeserving poor’ (vagrants) who were punished. It was a landmark in social welfare, establishing the principle that the state had a responsibility to care for the poor.

Question 3

How did Elizabeth deal with the threat from Mary Queen of Scots?

Accepted Answer

Elizabeth initially kept Mary under house arrest for 19 years, as Mary was a Catholic claimant to the English throne. Mary became a focus for Catholic plots, such as the Babington Plot (1586), which aimed to assassinate Elizabeth and put Mary on the throne. After Mary’s involvement was proven, Elizabeth reluctantly signed her death warrant, and Mary was executed in 1587. This removed the immediate threat but provoked Philip II of Spain to launch the Armada.

Question 4

What was the significance of the Spanish Armada?

Accepted Answer

The Spanish Armada (1588) was a major turning point. England’s victory prevented a Spanish invasion and established England as a major naval power. It boosted Elizabeth’s popularity and the Protestant cause in Europe. However, the war with Spain continued until 1604, and the Armada’s failure did not end Spanish dominance. The victory was also used as propaganda to glorify Elizabeth and the Protestant nation.

Question 5

What was life like for ordinary people in Elizabethan England?

Accepted Answer

Life was hard for most people. The majority lived in the countryside and worked in agriculture, but poor harvests led to food shortages and price rises. Towns grew, but overcrowding and poor sanitation caused disease. Entertainment included bear-baiting, fairs, and theatre (e.g., Shakespeare’s plays). Religion was central, and everyone had to attend church. Social hierarchy was strict, with the gentry at the top and labourers at the bottom. The Poor Law provided some relief, but poverty was widespread.

Question 6

Why did Elizabeth support exploration and privateering?

Accepted Answer

Elizabeth supported exploration for several reasons: to find new trade routes (e.g., the Northwest Passage), to challenge Spanish dominance in the Americas, and to gain wealth through privateering (state-sponsored piracy). Explorers like Francis Drake raided Spanish treasure ships and ports, bringing back gold and silver. This boosted England’s economy and weakened Spain. Elizabeth also granted charters to companies like the East India Company (1600) to expand trade. Exploration also enhanced England’s prestige and spread Protestantism.

Elizabethan England, c1568–1603

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