Source A: Historical overview

Mary Queen of Scots was a Catholic monarch with claims to the English throne. Her presence in England and her Catholic faith made her a focal point for Catholic plots against Elizabeth.

Historian View:

'Mary’s Catholic faith and royal claims made her a symbol of Catholic resistance, which Elizabeth saw as a direct threat to her Protestant rule.' - Dr. Jane Smith, 2010.

Question 1:

Explain why Mary Queen of Scots was considered a threat to Elizabeth I. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Her Catholic faith posed a religious challenge", "Her royal claim to the English throne threatened Elizabeth’s position", "She was involved in plots against Elizabeth", "Her presence in England was seen as a potential rallying point for Catholics" ], "model_answer": "Mary Queen of Scots was considered a threat because her Catholic faith and claim to the English throne challenged Elizabeth’s Protestant rule, and her involvement in plots increased fears of conspiracy and rebellion." }

Question 2:

Compare the reasons Elizabeth decided to imprison Mary Queen of Scots and eventually execute her. (6 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Both reasons involve Mary’s perceived threat to Elizabeth’s throne", "Imprisonment was to prevent her from rallying support", "Execution was due to her involvement in plots like the Babington Plot", "Elizabeth’s desire to maintain stability and prevent Catholic uprisings", "Concerns over international Catholic support for Mary" ], "model_answer": "Elizabeth imprisoned Mary to prevent her from becoming a rallying figure for Catholics, but her involvement in plots like the Babington Plot led Elizabeth to decide on her execution to eliminate the threat permanently." }

Question 3:

Outline the main consequences of Mary Queen of Scots’ execution. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Strengthened Elizabeth’s position as ruler", "Upset Catholic countries like Spain", "Led to increased tensions with Catholic powers", "Contributed to the outbreak of future conflicts" ], "model_answer": "The execution strengthened Elizabeth’s authority but angered Catholic nations like Spain, leading to increased tensions and future conflicts such as the Spanish Armada." }

Question 4:

Analyse how the threat posed by Mary Queen of Scots influenced Elizabeth’s foreign policy. (8 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Elizabeth aimed to balance her internal security with diplomatic relations", "Her fear of Catholic plots led to cautious diplomacy", "She supported Protestant causes abroad to counter Catholic influence", "The threat from Mary led to alliances with Protestant countries", "Her actions reflected a desire to prevent Catholic powers from gaining influence over England" ], "model_answer": "The threat posed by Mary Queen of Scots led Elizabeth to adopt a cautious foreign policy, supporting Protestant allies and forming alliances to counteract Catholic influence, while avoiding outright war to maintain stability." }

Question 5:

Explain the impact of Mary Queen of Scots’ exile on the political stability of Elizabeth’s reign. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Exile kept Mary out of England but made her a figure of Catholic resistance", "Her presence in Scotland and France created diplomatic tensions", "It increased fears of Catholic plots", "Her exile allowed Elizabeth to maintain her Protestant rule without immediate threat" ], "model_answer": "Mary’s exile helped Elizabeth maintain political stability in England by removing her from the country, but it also fueled fears of Catholic plots and international interference." }

Question 6:

Compare the different methods Elizabeth used to deal with Mary Queen of Scots. (6 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Imprisonment in England", "House arrest and limited freedom", "Execution after evidence of plots", "Maintaining her as a political prisoner", "Using exile as a diplomatic tool" ], "model_answer": "Elizabeth used imprisonment and house arrest to control Mary, but ultimately executed her after evidence of plots, balancing political necessity with her personal reluctance." }

Question 7:

Write a short paragraph analysing the significance of Mary Queen of Scots’ challenge to Elizabeth’s authority. (6 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Mary’s challenge was symbolically significant for Catholic opposition", "It threatened Elizabeth’s legitimacy as ruler", "It prompted harsher policies against Catholics", "It influenced Elizabeth’s foreign relations", "It shaped her decisions regarding Mary’s fate" ], "model_answer": "Mary Queen of Scots’ challenge was significant because it symbolized Catholic opposition and threatened Elizabeth’s legitimacy, leading to harsher policies and influencing her foreign relations." }

Question 8:

Outline the main reasons why Elizabeth saw Mary Queen of Scots as a threat. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Mary’s Catholic faith and claims to the throne", "Her potential to rally Catholic support", "Her presence in England as a foreign monarch", "Her involvement in plots against Elizabeth" ], "model_answer": "Elizabeth saw Mary as a threat because of her Catholic faith, her claim to the throne, and her involvement in plots against Elizabeth." }