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Answer Question 1(a), Question 1(b) and EITHER Question 1(c)(i) OR Question 1(c)(ii) - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 1
Answer Question 1(a), Question 1(b) and EITHER Question 1(c)(i) OR Question 1(c)(ii). (a) Describe two features of the Babington Plot (1586). Feature 1 Feature 2 ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Answer Question 1(a), Question 1(b) and EITHER Question 1(c)(i) OR Question 1(c)(ii) - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of the Babington Plot (1586).
Answer
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The Babington Plot was a conspiracy aimed at assassinating Queen Elizabeth I, orchestrated by Anthony Babington. The plot sought to restore the Catholic faith in England by eliminating Elizabeth and placing Mary, Queen of Scots, on the throne.
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The plan involved foreign support from Spain, where Philip II had shown interest in supporting the plot. It aimed to replace the Protestant leadership in England with Catholic rule, which aligned with the interests of foreign Catholic powers.
Step 2
Explain why Elizabeth faced challenges to her rule in 1558.
Answer
Elizabeth faced significant challenges to her rule in 1558 due to various factors:
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Religion: England was divided religiously after the reign of her half-sister Mary I, who restored Catholicism. Elizabeth's attempt to establish a Protestant settlement alienated many Catholics who viewed her reign as illegitimate and continued to support Mary Stuart.
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Relations with France: France posed a threat as it was allied with Mary Stuart, and Elizabeth's claim to the throne was contested by Mary's supporters in France. The potential for a Catholic crusade supported by France against Protestant England further destabilized her position.
These factors combined to create a climate of uncertainty and opposition against Elizabeth's rule.
Step 3
‘The main cause of the war between England and Spain was religious rivalry.’
Answer
The assertion that religious rivalry was the main cause of the conflict between England and Spain can be validated through several points:
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Elizabeth's religious settlement: Elizabeth's establishment of Protestantism in England directly opposed Spain's Catholic monarchy. This religious schism fueled resentment and hostilities as both nations aimed to assert their religious ideologies.
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Robert Dudley: Dudley's involvement in aiding Protestant movements in the Netherlands and his influence over Elizabeth strengthened England's conflict with Catholic Spain, as the Spanish viewed these actions as direct threats to their interests.
Overall, while political and economic factors also played a role, the mutual religious animosity between Protestant England and Catholic Spain was a significant catalyst for the war.
Step 4
‘The leisure activities of the rich and the leisure activities of the poor in early Elizabethan England were very similar.’
Answer
While there were some similarities in leisure activities, key differences highlighted the socioeconomic divide:
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Theatre: The rich often attended elaborate plays and performances in grand theatres, while the poorer classes engaged with theater through simpler forms, such as traveling troupes or local festivals that were accessible.
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Football: Football was a common sport enjoyed by people of all classes; however, the venues, organization, and the stakes involved differed significantly.
In essence, while both classes participated in leisure activities like theatre and football, the context and experience varied greatly due to their differing social standings.