ELISABETH I - Mary I's half-sister and heiress. No children. Under her reign one of most important issues was question of religion.

Mary was devoted catholic, Elisabeth was different. She wanted to find sensible solution, to satisfy both: Catholics and Protestants. Unfortunately she failed because of political situation. There was a constant danger of invasion from catholic Spain and France.

Elisabeth I never got married, she decided to stay single. Her closest living relative was Mary Stuart. She was brought up in France, and she married French king's son. Then Mary's husband was murdered, and she decided to marry his murderer - Bothwell. Scottish people were shocked by her scandalous behaviour and imprisoned her.

1585 - Mary escaped to England. Elisabeth knew that Mary was dangerous, so she kept her in prison. But this motivated Catholics to plot against Elisabeth - so, it was dangerous, too.

1587 - Elisabeth executed Mary. When Mary was still alive, she had named Philip of Spain as her heir to the throne of England. In this way she gave Philip claim to invade England.

By 1585 - Elisabeth believed that Catholics were enemies.

1588 - Elisabeth defeated Spanish Armada (it was her greatest achievement).

Elisabeth used events to strengthen her position and image of the loving queen. Events of Royal Progress - they travelled across the country with great pomp and celebration. It also improved general confidence of the nation.

1601 - Poor law - poor people protected in a way. Money raised to provide them food, housing.

ELISABETH I'S THEATRE - based in London (the Globe, the Swan, the Rose). William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe.

Schools: Rugby, Eton - correct use of English was emphasised.

TUDOR REIGN

1. Great artistic period (under influence of Greek and Roman models)

2. Protestants from The Netherlands and Germany were invited to England

• Hans Holbein Younger

• Anton van Dyke

3. By 17^th century literacy increased, half of population was literate

4. William Caxton - printed books in Westminster

THE ELISABETH I'S AGE OF EXPLORATION

1. Henry VII - Built a large fleet of merchant ships

2. Henry VIII worships and guns (English guns were best in Europe)

3. Elisabeth followed Henry VII policy

MOTIVES WHICH PROMPTED AGE OF EXPLORATION:

1. Scientific curiosity

2. Scientific improvements in navigation

3. Crusading spirit (heather = pagan) - wanted do Christianise them

4. Great opportunity to become rich, powerful

AGE OF EXPLORATION:

1. At first were dominated by Portugal and Spain. Spanish invasion -> claim to the English throne

2. Bring England back to Catholicism

3. Spain ruled the Netherlands at that time (they needed to cross English Channel). Dutch were Protestants and they wanted to be independent from Spain. England sent supplies to Dutch and allowed them to use ships against Spain.

4. English Armada was better (longer, narrower).

5. 1588 - glorious victory (bad weather conditions really helped the English to won)

TRADING EMPIRE - 2 POLICIES:

1. Encouraging English sailors to destroy Spanish ships (with gold, silver etc.). “Sea dogs” - sailors but also pirates, very adventurous people

• Francis Drake

• Sir Walter Raleigh

• John Hawkins

2. Encouraging traders to settle abroad and start English colonies. Sir Walter Raleigh started colony and called it Virginia (from the name “Queen Virgin” as Elisabeth was called). It was hard to survive, settlers had little food, weather conditions were too severe and Indians attacked them.

3. TRADING COMPANIES

Charter - a document which gave a right to trade in particular branch of trade and in particular region. Some part of profits went to the Crown.

1. Africa Company - slaves

2. East Indian Company - trade with India

3. Eastland Company - Scandinavia and Baltic area

4. Selling slaves from West Africa to Spanish in America.

1650 - Beginning of SLAVERY

HISTORIA - WYKŁAD - 24.11.2011

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