Elizabethan England, c1568–1603

Overview:
The reign of Queen Elizabeth I was marked by political stability, religious upheaval, and the flowering of English culture. Known as the Elizabethan era, this period saw the consolidation of Protestantism in England, the expansion of English influence overseas, and significant developments in literature, the arts, and exploration. Despite challenges like the Spanish Armada and internal rebellion, Elizabeth I maintained a relatively stable reign that helped shape the course of English history.

This page will guide you through the major events, figures, and concepts of Elizabethan England, offering revision resources that explore the political, economic, social, and cultural developments of the time.

1. The Early Years of Elizabeth I’s Reign (1558–1568)

Key Themes:

• The Religious Settlement: Elizabeth’s establishment of the Church of England as a Protestant church, and the challenges she faced from Catholics and Puritans.

• The Challenges to Elizabeth’s Legitimacy: Elizabeth was seen by some as illegitimate, especially by Catholics, due to her Protestant faith and the circumstances surrounding her birth.

Key Figures:

• Queen Elizabeth I: The central figure of the period, whose policies helped define the course of English history during her reign.

• Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth's cousin and rival, who was seen as the legitimate Catholic claimant to the English throne.

• Philip II of Spain: The Catholic King of Spain who sought to challenge Elizabeth’s Protestant rule.

Key Events:

• The Elizabethan Religious Settlement (1559): A series of acts, including the Act of Supremacy and Act of Uniformity, which established Elizabeth’s control over the Church of England and made Protestantism the official religion.

• The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots (1587): The execution of Mary by Elizabeth after years of political tension, which angered Catholic nations, particularly Spain.

2. Religious Conflict and the Catholic Threat

Key Themes:

• Religious Tensions: The ongoing conflict between Catholics and Protestants in England, which led to internal unrest and external threats.

• The Catholic Plots: A series of plots to overthrow Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots or another Catholic monarch.

• The Role of the Papacy: Pope Pius V’s excommunication of Elizabeth in 1570, encouraging Catholics to resist her rule.

Key Figures:

• Pope Pius V: His excommunication of Elizabeth was a pivotal moment that exacerbated Catholic resistance.

• Robert Devereux: The Earl of Essex and Elizabeth’s favorite, who played a role in the political and military conflicts of the time.

Key Events:

• The Ridolfi Plot (1571): A plot involving Catholic conspirators to overthrow Elizabeth and replace her with Mary, Queen of Scots.

• The Throckmorton Plot (1583): Another Catholic plot aimed at assassinating Elizabeth and placing Mary on the throne.

• The Babington Plot (1586): A plot to assassinate Elizabeth and place Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne, leading to Mary’s execution.

3. The Spanish Armada (1588)

Key Themes:

• The Conflict with Spain: The ongoing tension between Protestant England and Catholic Spain, particularly due to religious differences and territorial competition.

• Naval Power and Elizabeth’s Leadership: The English navy, under the leadership of Sir Francis Drake and other commanders, faced off against the Spanish Armada.

Key Figures:

• Queen Elizabeth I: Her leadership and speeches, including her famous speech at Tilbury, inspired the English forces to defeat the Spanish Armada.

• Philip II of Spain: The Spanish king who sought to invade England and restore Catholicism.

• Sir Francis Drake: An English naval commander who played a key role in the defeat of the Armada.

Key Events:

• The Spanish Armada (1588): The failed invasion by Spain, which marked a significant moment in Elizabethan England’s military history. The Armada's defeat bolstered Elizabeth’s power and England’s prestige.

4. The Growth of the English Economy and Overseas Expansion

Key Themes:

• Trade and Commerce: The development of a strong economy, including the rise of the wool trade, the expansion of London, and the establishment of colonial ventures.

• Exploration and Colonization: The English began to establish colonies overseas, particularly in the Americas, through figures such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake.

Key Figures:

• Sir Walter Raleigh: An explorer who attempted to establish colonies in the Americas, most notably the Roanoke Colony.

• Sir Francis Drake: The famous privateer and explorer who circumnavigated the globe and played a significant role in England’s naval victories.

• John Hawkins: An English sailor who developed the slave trade and helped lay the groundwork for England's maritime empire.

Key Events:

• The Establishment of Roanoke (1585): The failed attempt to establish an English colony in North America.

• The Rise of the East India Company (1600): The establishment of the East India Company marked the beginning of England’s expansion into Asia and the establishment of trade routes.

5. The Elizabethan Court and Society

Key Themes:

• Courtly Life and Patronage: The role of the Elizabethan court in fostering culture, art, and politics, with Elizabeth at its center.

• Social Hierarchy: The rigid social structure, including the role of the nobility, gentry, and peasants in Elizabethan society.

Key Figures:

• Queen Elizabeth I: A central figure who balanced the demands of monarchy, courtly politics, and international diplomacy.

• William Shakespeare: The most famous playwright of the era, whose works defined the English Renaissance.

• Christopher Marlowe: A playwright and poet who influenced the development of Elizabethan theatre.

Key Events:

• The Elizabethan Theatre: The rise of drama, with theatres such as the Globe Theatre being established, and the flourishing of English literature.

• The Cult of Elizabeth: The construction of Elizabeth’s image as the Virgin Queen, central to her propaganda and political legitimacy.

6. Elizabethan Culture and the Arts

Key Themes:

• The English Renaissance: The cultural and intellectual revival that saw advancements in literature, music, and art.

• The Golden Age of English Literature: The works of William Shakespeare, Edmund Spenser, and Christopher Marlowe defined this period.

• Advancements in Music and Art: The development of English music, with composers such as John Dowland, and the flourishing of English portraiture.

Key Figures:

• William Shakespeare: England’s most renowned playwright, whose plays captured the complexity of Elizabethan society.

• Edmund Spenser: A poet best known for his epic poem The Faerie Queene, an allegorical work celebrating Elizabeth and her reign.

• Christopher Marlowe: A playwright whose works contributed to the development of Elizabethan drama.

Key Events:

• The Publication of The Faerie Queene (1590): Spenser’s epic poem, which celebrated the reign of Elizabeth I.

• The Opening of the Globe Theatre (1599): The opening of one of the most famous theatres in Elizabethan England, associated with Shakespeare’s plays.

7. The Legacy of Elizabeth I

Key Themes:

• The Stabilization of Protestantism: Elizabeth solidified Protestantism as the state religion and laid the foundation for future Protestant expansion.

• Elizabeth’s Image: Her reign was seen as a time of peace, prosperity, and cultural flourishing, which continues to shape her legacy.

Key Figures:

• Queen Elizabeth I: Her reign left an indelible mark on English history, influencing both the monarchy and the nation’s international position.

• James VI and I: Elizabeth’s death in 1603 led to the union of England and Scotland under her cousin James VI, who became James I of England.

Key Events:

• The Death of Elizabeth I (1603): The end of the Elizabethan era and the beginning of the Stuart period, marked by Elizabeth’s death and the succession of James I.

8. Revision Resources

• Revision Notes: Concise summaries of key events, individuals, and concepts in Elizabethan England.

• Timelines: Interactive timelines of key events, including the Spanish Armada, the Religious Settlement, and key cultural milestones.

• Flashcards: Key terms and figures such as Spanish Armada, Elizabethan Religious Settlement, Mary, Queen of Scots, and William Shakespeare.

• Video Resources: Informative videos on Elizabethan politics, religion, culture, and key events such as the Armada and the rise of the English Renaissance.

9. Exam Tips

• Essay Questions: Practice answering key questions such as:

  • "How did Elizabeth I maintain control over England during her reign?"

  • "To what extent was Elizabethan England a period of religious stability?"

  • "How significant was the defeat of the Spanish Armada for Elizabethan England?"

• Source Analysis: Tips on analyzing sources related to Elizabeth’s reign, including letters, speeches, and historical accounts.

• Exam Strategy: Approaching essay and source-based questions with clear arguments, supporting evidence, and context, especially when discussing the reign of Elizabeth I.