Question 1: Briefly explain the religious landscape of England before Elizabeth I became queen in 1558, including the major religious groups and conflicts.

Answer: Before Elizabeth I's reign, England experienced religious conflict between Catholics and Protestants, with the Catholic Church dominant under Mary I, who restored Catholicism after her Protestant predecessor. The Reformation had introduced Protestant ideas, leading to tensions and unrest. Elizabeth's accession promised religious stability and a moderate Protestant church.

Question 1: When did Elizabeth I establish the Religious Settlement that sought to unify the church?

Answer: 1559

Question 2: Who was the Pope during Elizabeth I's reign who condemned her religious policies?

Answer: Pope Pius V

Question 3: Name one key act passed by Elizabeth I to establish the Protestant Church of England.

Answer: The Act of Supremacy (1559)

Question 4: Which event in 1588 was a major religious and political victory for Elizabeth I?

Answer: The defeat of the Spanish Armada

Question 5: Describe the main features of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement.

Answer: It aimed to establish a moderate Protestant church, combining elements of Catholic tradition with Protestant principles. It included the Act of Supremacy, making Elizabeth the Supreme Governor, and the Act of Uniformity, which set out services and clergy standards.

Question 1: Source: 'The Queen’s policies in religion have brought peace and stability to England.' What is the purpose of this source? Whose perspective does it represent?

Answer: The purpose is to praise Elizabeth's religious policies for bringing stability; it represents a positive, pro-Elizabeth perspective, likely from a supporter or courtier.

Question 2: Assess the reliability of this source. What biases might it have?

Answer: The source may be biased in favor of Elizabeth, aiming to promote her policies. It may overlook religious dissent or opposition, making it less reliable for understanding opposition views.

Question 3: From this quote, what can you infer about the attitudes of the English church towards Catholicism? "The Queen has abolished many Catholic practices, but some still secretly oppose her reforms."

Answer: It suggests that while Elizabeth aimed to suppress Catholic practices, there was still covert resistance among Catholics, indicating ongoing religious tensions.

Question 1: Explain why the Elizabethan Religious Settlement was necessary for Elizabeth I's reign.

Answer: The Settlement was necessary to establish religious stability after years of conflict, to gain the support of both Catholics and Protestants, and to strengthen Elizabeth's authority. It aimed to prevent civil unrest and opposition from Catholic powers like Spain.

Question 2: Describe how Elizabeth’s policies aimed to balance Protestant reform with Catholic traditions.

Answer: Elizabeth's policies incorporated Protestant doctrines while retaining some Catholic rituals to appease traditionalists. The Act of Uniformity mandated common services, and the Book of Common Prayer was used, blending reform with familiar practices.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the Spanish Armada in the context of religion and Elizabethan England.

Answer: The defeat of the Armada in 1588 was seen as a divine victory for the Protestant Elizabethan state against Catholic Spain, strengthening national identity and Protestantism's dominance in England.

Question 1: To what extent was the Elizabethan Religious Settlement successful in creating religious peace in England?

Answer: The Settlement was partly successful; it established a Protestant church and reduced conflicts with moderate Catholics, but religious divisions persisted, leading to ongoing tensions and unrest. Its success can be measured by the relative stability compared to previous periods, though dissent and opposition remained significant.

Question 2: How far do you agree that Elizabeth I's religious policies were motivated primarily by political considerations?

Answer: Many historians argue political stability was the main motivation, as Elizabeth sought to unify her realm and weaken Catholic influence. However, religious conviction also played a role. A balanced view recognizes both factors, with political motives often driving religious reforms.