Elizabeth's Accession and Early Challenges

Elizabeth I ascended to the English throne in 1558, inheriting a country facing significant challenges. As a Protestant queen succeeding her Catholic half-sister Mary I, Elizabeth had to navigate complex religious and political landscapes.

Highlight: Elizabeth inherited a massive debt of £300,000 and a country at war with France when she became queen in 1558.

The new queen faced several key issues:

• Financial troubles, including substantial war debts
• Religious divisions between Catholics and Protestants
• Threats from foreign powers, especially France
• Questions about her legitimacy as a female ruler

Elizabeth's personal background shaped her approach to governance:

• She was cautious due to witnessing political intrigue throughout her life
• Her Protestant upbringing influenced her religious policies
• She was well-educated and cultivated an image as the "Virgin Queen"

Vocabulary: Privy Council - A small group of advisors who met regularly with the queen to offer counsel on matters of state.

Elizabeth established her government by appointing 19 people to her Privy Council. She relied on this group of leading nobles for advice and to help run the country. The royal court became the center of political power during Elizabeth's reign.

Definition: Gentry - The class below nobles, including knights and large landowners who often served as local judges and sheriffs.

The English social structure under Elizabeth included:

1. Nobles - Dealt with crime, social unrest, and led armies
2. Gentry - Helped govern locally and could vote in elections
3. Yeomen - Owned their own land
4. Tenant farmers - Rented land and assisted in local governance

This system helped Elizabeth maintain control and govern effectively across England.

The Church of England and Religious Settlement

Elizabeth's religious settlement of 1559 was a crucial aspect of her early reign, attempting to find a middle ground between Protestant and Catholic factions.

The Church of England played a central role in society:

• It was the focal point of local communities
• Parish clergy were important community members
• Church services were in English, not Latin
• A new Prayer Book was introduced

Vocabulary: Recusancy fines - Penalties imposed on those who failed to attend Church of England services.

Elizabeth's religious policy aimed to create a compromise:

1. She restored Protestantism but was aware this could lead to conflict
2. The Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity made Elizabeth "Supreme Governor" of the Church
3. Some Catholic practices were retained, such as candles, crosses, and vestments
4. Clergy were allowed to marry

Highlight: Elizabeth's settlement sought to accommodate both Protestant and Catholic elements, reflecting her pragmatic approach to governance.

Religious divisions persisted:

• Some Catholics objected to English services and held secret Latin masses
• Puritans wished to follow a stricter form of Protestantism without Catholic remnants
• Failure to attend church services resulted in fines

Example: Queen Mary I had burned 300 Protestants who refused to change their religion, demonstrating the high stakes of religious policy in Tudor England.

The religious settlement had international implications:

• Spain initially did not challenge Elizabeth to avoid strengthening France
• Pope Pius V excommunicated Elizabeth in 1570, encouraging Catholics to oppose her rule

Elizabeth's balancing act in religious matters was crucial to maintaining stability in the early years of her reign.