Elizabeth's Probelms on Ascention
- Created by: April15
- Created on: 18-05-19 14:31
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- Virgin Queen: Legitimacy, Gender and Marriage
- Legitimacy refers to whether the monarch is legally entitled to rule
- The pope had refused to accept Henry's marriage to Elizabeth's mother
- When Anne Boleyn was executed in 1536, Henry VII excluded Elizabeth from the succession
- He reversed his decision before his death
- When Anne Boleyn was executed in 1536, Henry VII excluded Elizabeth from the succession
- Many Catholics questioned Elizabeth's legitimacy, claiming that she had no right to the throne
- This created a real risk of rebellion
- Elizabeth was a Protestant, her predecessor Mary I was a Catholic
- This created a real risk of rebellion
- The pope had refused to accept Henry's marriage to Elizabeth's mother
- Elizabeth was unmarried and it was unusual for a woman to rule in her own right - Christian traditions suggested that women should follow men's authority
- Having a husband would reduce Elizabeth's power, her husband would be expected to govern the country and deal with parliament
- If she married a Protestant it would anger Catholics
- If she married a Catholic it would upset Protestants
- If she married a Protestant it would anger Catholics
- Many people disapproved of the idea of a queen reagent (a queen who actually ruled)
- Elizabeth needed an heir, if she died without an heir, the vacant throne could cause civil war to arise
- Marriage would involve England in expensive wars, damaging royal finances and increasing taxation
- The crown was already in debt £300000 when Elizabeth ascended
- Elizabeth's government needed money
- Having a husband would reduce Elizabeth's power, her husband would be expected to govern the country and deal with parliament
- Elizabeth was 21 years old and inexperienced
- She needed the support and advice of her Privy Council and Secretary of State - Sir William Cecil
- Elizabeth could issue royal proclamations and had prerogative powers (governing without parliaments consent - especially in forgein policies)
- Legitimacy refers to whether the monarch is legally entitled to rule
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