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The Plot Against Elizabeth I: The Case of Mary Queen of Scots

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores the factors that contributed to the plotting against Elizabeth I, focusing on Mary Queen of Scots. Students will analyze the significance of political, social, economic, and religious factors and rank their importance.

Topics covered:

#History
#History
#Elizabeth I
#Standard
#Significance & Factors
#Plots (Mary Queen of Scots)
#Identify different factors influencing plots against Elizabeth I
#Compare the significance of various factors
#Explain how specific factors contributed to the plots
#Analyze which factors were most influential in the decision to imprison Mary Queen of Scots

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The Plot Against Elizabeth I: The Case of Mary Queen of Scots

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Introduction to the Plots Against Elizabeth I

Source A: Excerpt from a historical analysis

'The plots against Elizabeth I were driven by a complex mix of political ambitions, religious tensions, social unrest, and economic struggles. Mary Queen of Scots' involvement was seen as a key threat due to her Catholic faith and claim to the throne.' Provenance: Modern historian's overview, published in 2010.

1.
Categorize the factors mentioned in Source A into Political, Social, Economic, or Religious. List each factor under the correct category.
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the significance of political and religious factors in the plots against Elizabeth I. Use evidence from the source to support your answer.
[4 marks]
B

Factors Influencing the Threat to Elizabeth I

Source B: Extract from a history textbook

'The threat posed by Mary Queen of Scots was amplified by her Catholic faith and her claim to the English throne. Political rivals also saw her as a means to challenge Elizabeth’s authority, while social unrest among Catholics increased the danger.' Provenance: Textbook for GCSE students, published 2015.

1.
Outline the main factors that made Mary Queen of Scots a threat to Elizabeth I, based on Source B.
[3 marks]
2.
Which factor do you think was more significant in making Mary Queen of Scots a threat: her religious beliefs or her claim to the throne? Justify your answer with evidence.
[6 marks]
C

Analyzing the Significance of Factors

Source C: Modern analysis

'The most significant factor in the plots against Elizabeth was the religious divide. Catholic opposition, epitomized by Mary Queen of Scots, was the main source of threat, as it threatened the religious stability of England.' Provenance: Modern historian’s commentary, published 2018.

1.
Explain why the religious divide was considered the most significant factor in the plots against Elizabeth I.
[3 marks]
2.
Compare the importance of political and social factors versus religious factors in the plots against Elizabeth I. Which do you think was more influential? Explain your reasoning.
[6 marks]
D

Ranking and Justifying Factors

Source D: Summary of the threat levels

'Among the various factors, religious opposition posed the greatest threat to Elizabeth I, followed by political ambitions, with social unrest being a secondary concern.' Provenance: Summary from a GCSE revision guide, 2020.

1.
Rank the four factors—religious opposition, political ambitions, social unrest, and economic issues—in order of importance based on Source D. Justify your ranking with evidence.
[6 marks]
2.
Which factor do you think was the most important in leading to the plots against Elizabeth I? Justify your choice with evidence and analysis.
[6 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet
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