How to Revise Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88 — Edexcel GCSE History
Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88 is a topic in the Edexcel GCSE History specification. This guide covers learning objectives, examiner tips, common mistakes, and key terminology to help you revise effectively.
Examiner Tips for Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88
- Ensure you can explain the 'middle way' of the 1559 Religious Settlement
- Focus on the interplay between domestic religious issues and foreign threats
- Use specific terminology such as 'legitimacy', 'Puritan', and 'Catholic challenge' accurately
- When discussing Mary, Queen of Scots, focus on why she was a threat to Elizabeth specifically between 1568 and 1569
Common Mistakes in Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88
- Confusing the religious settlement of 1559 with later religious policies
- Overstating the immediate threat of the Puritan challenge compared to the Catholic challenge in this period
- Failing to link the problem of Mary, Queen of Scots to the broader context of the succession and religious instability
- Misunderstanding the nature of the 'Virgin Queen' status as a political tool rather than just a personal choice
Key Marking Points
- Elizabethan society and government in 1558
- The Virgin Queen: legitimacy, gender, marriage, character and strengths
- Challenges at home and abroad: financial weaknesses, religious divisions, the French threat
- The 1559 Religious Settlement: features and impact
- The role of the Church of England in society
- The nature and extent of the Puritan challenge