Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88 — Edexcel GCSE History

Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88 covers the first 30 years of Queen Elizabeth I's reign, a period of profound religious, political, and social change. Students explore how Elizabeth established her authority after the turmoil of her half-sister Mary I's reign, including the Religious Settlement of 1559 which created a 'middle way' between Catholicism and Protestantism. This topic also examines the challenges Elizabeth faced: threats from Catholic plots, the problem of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the escalating conflict with Spain that culminated in the Spanish Armada of 1588.

Understanding this period is crucial because it shaped England's national identity and its role as a Protestant power in Europe. The topic also covers social and economic changes, such as the 'Golden Age' of exploration (e.g., Drake's circumnavigation), the growth of the theatre (Shakespeare), and the harsh realities of poverty and vagrancy. Students must grasp how Elizabeth's government managed these challenges through propaganda, patronage, and ruthless action, while also considering the experiences of ordinary people, including the role of women and the impact of enclosure.

This topic fits into the wider Edexcel GCSE History course as part of the British Depth Study. It requires students to analyse causation, change and continuity, and significance. The skills developed here—evaluating sources, understanding interpretations, and structuring explanations—are transferable to other topics like 'The American West' or 'Medicine Through Time'. Mastery of this period also provides a foundation for understanding later British history, including the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution.

• →Religious Settlement (1559): The Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity established Elizabeth as Supreme Governor, introduced the Book of Common Prayer, and required all clergy to swear an oath of supremacy. This created a 'middle way' but dissatisfied both Catholics and Puritans.
• →The problem of succession: Elizabeth never married or named an heir, leading to uncertainty. Mary, Queen of Scots, a Catholic claimant, posed a direct threat until her execution in 1587.
• →The Spanish Armada (1588): Philip II of Spain launched a fleet to invade England, motivated by religion (Catholic vs Protestant), piracy (e.g., Drake's raids), and English support for the Dutch Revolt. The Armada's defeat was due to English tactics, weather, and Spanish mistakes.
• →Poverty and vagrancy: Population growth, enclosure, and bad harvests led to rising poverty. The 1563 Statute of Artificers and 1572 Vagrancy Act attempted to control mobility and provide relief, but attitudes were harsh, distinguishing between 'deserving' and 'undeserving' poor.
• →Exploration and colonisation: Figures like Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh sought new trade routes and colonies (e.g., Roanoke). This brought wealth but also conflict with Spain, and the 'Golden Age' was largely limited to the elite.

• The nature and extent of education in the home and schools.
• The variety of sport, pastimes, and the role of the theatre.
• Reasons for the increase in poverty and vagabondage.
• Changing attitudes and government policies towards the poor.
• Factors prompting exploration, including technological advancements in ships and navigation.
• The drive to expand trade as a motivation for exploration.
• The reasons for and significance of Francis Drake’s circumnavigation.
• Reasons for the attempted colonisation of Virginia, including the role of Walter Raleigh.
• Reasons for the failure of the first settlement in Virginia.

• 💡Ensure you can explain the 'push' and 'pull' factors for exploration.
• 💡Be prepared to discuss how social attitudes towards the poor shifted during this period.
• 💡Use specific examples of technology (e.g., astrolabes, lateen sails) when discussing exploration.
• 💡When discussing the theatre, link it to the broader social context of Elizabethan leisure.
• 💡Use specific dates and names: For example, 'The Religious Settlement was passed in 1559' is better than 'Elizabeth made a settlement'. Mention key figures like William Cecil, Francis Walsingham, and Mary, Queen of Scots to show detailed knowledge.
• 💡Structure your answers with PEE (Point, Evidence, Explanation). For a 12-mark 'explain why' question, make two clear points with precise evidence (e.g., 'The threat from Mary, Queen of Scots led to the execution in 1587 because...'). Avoid narrative—focus on analysis.
• 💡For source questions, always consider the provenance: who wrote it, when, and why? For example, a Spanish account of the Armada might be biased against England. Use the source content and your own knowledge to evaluate its usefulness.

• Confusing the reasons for poverty with the government's responses to it.
• Failing to link technological advancements specifically to the ability to explore.
• Over-generalizing the 'Age of Exploration' without focusing on the specific Elizabethan context.
• Neglecting the significance of the failure of the Virginia colony, focusing only on the attempt itself.
• Misconception: Elizabeth was a strong Protestant. Correction: Elizabeth was a pragmatist; her Religious Settlement was a compromise. She disliked Puritans and Catholics, and her personal beliefs are debated—she likely preferred Protestantism but prioritised stability.
• Misconception: The Spanish Armada was defeated solely by the English navy. Correction: The English navy (led by Howard and Drake) used fire ships and superior tactics, but the Armada was also weakened by storms, poor planning, and the Dutch blockade. The 'Protestant wind' was a major factor.
• Misconception: Everyone in England was happy with Elizabeth's rule. Correction: There were two major Catholic revolts (Northern Earls, 1569; Throckmorton Plot, 1583) and Puritan opposition to vestments. The poor suffered greatly, and many were executed for vagrancy or treason.