Year 11 History: Early Elizabethan England (1558–88) Society and the Age of Exploration

Introduction to Early Elizabethan England

In this lesson, we will learn about Early Elizabethan England, which was the time when Queen Elizabeth I ruled from 1558 to 1603. This period was important for the development of society and for the Age of Exploration, where many new lands were discovered and explored.

Society in Early Elizabethan England

During Elizabeth’s reign, society was divided into different classes:

• The Nobility: This group included lords and ladies who owned large estates. They had a lot of power and wealth.
• The Gentry: These were wealthy landowners who were not nobles but had influence. They often served as local magistrates.
• The Middle Class: This group included merchants and skilled workers. They were growing in wealth and importance.
• The Poor: Many people were farmers or labourers. They struggled to make ends meet.

Key Features of Society

1. Religion: Religion played a big role. England was mostly Protestant after Henry VIII’s break from the Catholic Church. Elizabeth worked to keep peace between Catholics and Protestants.
2. Education: Education was becoming more important. The wealthy had access to schools, while the poor often did not.
3. Entertainment: People enjoyed theatre and music. This was the time when famous playwrights like William Shakespeare began to write.

The Age of Exploration

The Age of Exploration was a time when European countries, including England, were discovering new lands and trade routes.

Key Explorers and Events

1. Sir Francis Drake: He was the first Englishman to sail around the world. His journey showed that it was possible to explore far lands.
2. Sir Walter Raleigh: He attempted to establish colonies in America, including the famous “Lost Colony” of Roanoke.
3. The Spanish Armada (1588): This was a significant event where England defeated Spain, which helped establish England as a powerful sea nation.

Tips and Tricks for Understanding

1. Use Timelines: Create a timeline of key events during Elizabeth’s reign to see how everything connects.
2. Flashcards: Make flashcards with important terms and people to remember who they were and what they did.
3. Visual Aids: Draw maps showing exploration routes or the social classes to help visual learners.
4. Group Discussions: Talk with your classmates about what you’ve learned. Teaching others is a great way to remember.

Questions

Easy Level Questions

1. Who was the queen of England from 1558 to 1603?
2. What religion was most common in England during Elizabeth’s reign?
3. Name one famous playwright from this period.
4. Which explorer was the first to sail around the world?
5. What was the main purpose of exploration during this time?
6. Who were the nobility?
7. Name one thing people enjoyed for entertainment in Elizabethan England.
8. What did the gentry do?
9. What was the Spanish Armada?
10. What is a colony?
11. Who was Sir Walter Raleigh?
12. What was the main class of people who were poor?
13. What was one effect of the defeat of the Spanish Armada?
14. What type of government did Elizabeth I rule?
15. Why was education important in Elizabethan society?
16. What did many people do for a living?
17. Who were the merchants?
18. What was the “Lost Colony”?
19. Why did people explore new lands?
20. Name one reason for conflict between Catholics and Protestants.

Medium Level Questions

1. Explain how Elizabeth I’s reign changed religion in England.
2. How did the social classes affect people’s lives in Elizabethan England?
3. Describe the significance of Sir Francis Drake’s voyage.
4. What were the consequences of the Spanish Armada’s defeat for England?
5. Discuss the role of the middle class in Elizabethan society.
6. How did exploration affect trade in England?
7. What challenges did explorers face during their journeys?
8. In what ways did Elizabeth I support exploration?
9. How did the arts flourish during this period?
10. What was the impact of the printing press on society?
11. Explain the relationship between the nobility and the monarchy.
12. What were the main reasons for establishing colonies?
13. How did the defeat of the Armada influence European politics?
14. What was the significance of the English Reformation?
15. How did Elizabeth I maintain control over religious conflicts?
16. Discuss the importance of the theatre in Elizabethan culture.
17. What were the living conditions for the poor in England?
18. How did England’s exploration compare to other European countries?
19. What role did women play in Elizabethan society?
20. How did Elizabethan explorers contribute to the scientific knowledge of the time?

Hard Level Questions

1. Analyze the impact of the Spanish Armada on England’s naval power.
2. Compare the differences between Catholic and Protestant beliefs during Elizabeth’s reign.
3. Evaluate the effectiveness of Elizabeth I’s foreign policy.
4. Discuss the motivations behind Sir Walter Raleigh’s voyages.
5. How did the social structure of Elizabethan England contribute to political stability?
6. Examine the role of patronage in the arts during this period.
7. Discuss the significance of trade routes established during the Age of Exploration.
8. How did the discovery of new lands affect English society and economy?
9. Compare the roles of men and women in exploration.
10. Assess the impact of Elizabeth I’s decisions on future British colonization.
11. How did Elizabeth I use propaganda to support her reign?
12. Discuss the influence of the Renaissance on Elizabethan culture.
13. What were the long-term consequences of the Age of Exploration for indigenous peoples?
14. Analyze how Elizabeth I balanced power between different social classes.
15. What was the significance of the Roanoke Colony’s failure?
16. How did maritime advancements contribute to exploration?
17. Discuss the influence of the Reformation on English society.
18. Evaluate the legacy of Elizabeth I’s reign in terms of exploration.
19. How did Elizabethan explorers influence the development of maps?
20. Discuss the implications of England becoming a Protestant nation under Elizabeth I.

Answers

Easy Level Answers

1. Queen Elizabeth I
2. Protestantism
3. William Shakespeare
4. Sir Francis Drake
5. To discover new lands and trade routes
6. Lords and ladies who owned land
7. Theatre and music
8. Wealthy landowners who were not nobles
9. A naval battle where England defeated Spain
10. A territory settled by a country
11. An explorer who tried to establish colonies in America
12. Farmers and labourers
13. It helped England become a powerful sea nation
14. Monarchy
15. It helped improve literacy and skills
16. They were mostly farmers or labourers
17. People who bought and sold goods
18. A failed attempt to create a permanent settlement in America
19. To find resources and wealth
20. Conflicts over religious beliefs and practices

Medium Level Answers

1. It made England predominantly Protestant and led to religious conflicts.
2. It determined wealth access, job opportunities, and social status.
3. It proved it was possible to navigate the world and increased England’s status.
4. Strengthened England’s position as a naval power and influenced European politics.
5. They gained wealth and influence, improving their status in society.
6. It opened new markets and increased wealth.
7. They faced diseases, storms, and uncharted territories.
8. By funding expeditions and encouraging exploration.
9. It became a central part of culture and helped develop national identity.
10. It spread ideas and knowledge to a wider audience.
11. They provided support and resources to the monarchy.
12. Colonization efforts were largely driven by economic gain.
13. Increased tensions with Spain and established England’s naval presence.
14. It helped shape the political landscape of Europe.
15. It discouraged future colonization efforts due to fear of failure.
16. Innovations like the compass and better ships improved navigation.
17. It caused divisions and led to the establishment of different denominations.
18. It paved the way for future exploration and colonization.
19. They contributed to more accurate representations of the world.
20. It led to increased exploration and the establishment of colonies.

Hard Level Answers

1. It established England as a major naval power and shifted the balance in Europe.
2. Catholics followed the Pope; Protestants rejected papal authority.
3. Elizabeth’s foreign policy was often cautious but ultimately successful.
4. Economic gain and the desire for prestige and power.
5. It maintained order and reduced the risk of rebellion.
6. Artists relied on wealthy patrons for financial support.
7. They created new markets for goods and increased wealth.
8. New resources and wealth transformed the economy and society.
9. Women often managed households and occasionally accompanied men on voyages.
10. It laid the groundwork for future British imperial expansion.
11. She used positive portrayals in art and literature to promote her image.
12. It inspired new ideas in art, science, and philosophy.
13. Many indigenous populations faced violence, disease, and displacement.
14. It created a more structured government with defined roles.
15. It demonstrated the dangers of colonization and lack of support.
16. Technological advances like the astrolabe made exploration easier.
17. The Protestant Reformation led to significant cultural shifts in England.
18. It sparked interest in exploration and increased national pride.
19. They improved navigation, allowing for safer and more effective travel.
20. It led to new trade routes and increased competition among European powers.

This structured approach should help you understand Early Elizabethan England and the Age of Exploration better. Remember to use the tips provided, and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need clarification!