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5 (a) Describe two features of Elizabeth's religious settlement (1559) - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 5
5 (a) Describe two features of Elizabeth's religious settlement (1559). Feature 1 (b) Explain why there was an increase in exploration in the years 1558-88. You m... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:5 (a) Describe two features of Elizabeth's religious settlement (1559) - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Feature 1
Answer
One feature of Elizabeth's religious settlement was the Act of Supremacy (1559). This Act re-established the monarch as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. It marked a significant shift away from papal authority, which had been predominant during the reign of her sister, Mary I. This act set the foundation for Protestantism in England and allowed Elizabeth to reaffirm her control over religious matters.
Another feature was the Act of Uniformity (1559). This act outlined the form of the English Church service, including the Book of Common Prayer, which aimed to create a uniform practice of worship. This act sought to balance traditional Catholic practices with the new Protestant reforms, offering a compromise that aimed to placate both factions within her realm.
Step 2
Explain why there was an increase in exploration in the years 1558-88.
Answer
The increase in exploration during this period can be attributed to several key factors:
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Navigational Aids: Advances in navigational technology, such as the magnetic compass and developments in cartography, enabled sailors to navigate more effectively. The introduction of the astrolabe improved the ability to determine latitude at sea, leading to safer and more accurate voyages.
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Luxury Goods: There was a growing demand for luxury goods in Europe, including spices, silks, and precious metals, particularly in the wake of the Renaissance. English merchants sought new trade routes to access these commodities directly from their sources, particularly in the East Indies and the Americas.
Overall, these factors played a crucial role in driving the age of exploration during Elizabeth's reign, paving the way for future colonization and trade expansion.
Step 3
'The effective use of naval tactics was the main reason for the English victory over the Spanish Armada.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
While naval tactics played a significant role in the English victory over the Spanish Armada, it is crucial to consider other contributing factors as well.
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Naval Tactics: The English fleet, under the command of leaders like Sir Francis Drake, employed effective tactics such as the use of fire ships to disrupt the Spanish formations. This innovative strategy caused confusion and disarray among the Spanish forces, allowing the English to exploit weaknesses.
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Weather Conditions: The weather was also a critical factor during the conflict. The challenging conditions faced by the Spanish fleet, often referred to as the 'Protestant Wind,' led to significant losses as many ships were damaged and ultimately lost at sea due to storms.
In conclusion, while naval tactics were indeed crucial, it is essential to recognize that weather conditions played an equally important role in determining the outcome of the conflict.
Step 4
'There was little change in attitudes towards the poor in the years 1558-88.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
To assess whether there was little change in attitudes towards the poor during this period, one must consider various social and economic factors:
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Continued Stigma: For much of this period, the poor continued to face social stigma and marginalization. Many in society still viewed poverty as a personal failing, leading to persistent negative attitudes towards the impoverished.
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Poverty Relief Efforts: However, there were also some changes in attitudes, particularly with the introduction of the Poor Laws later in the period. These laws demonstrated a growing recognition of the need for organized relief efforts to support the poor, indicating a gradual shift towards more compassionate attitudes.
In summary, although some advancements occurred, the overarching attitudes towards the poor largely remained consistent with those of earlier periods.