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1 (a) Describe two features of English involvement in the Netherlands, 1585-88 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 (a) Describe two features of English involvement in the Netherlands, 1585-88. Feature 1 (b) Explain why treatment of the poor changed in the period 1558-88. You... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 (a) Describe two features of English involvement in the Netherlands, 1585-88 - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of English involvement in the Netherlands, 1585-88.
Answer
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Elizabeth I signed the Treaty of Nonsuch with the Dutch Protestant rebels, supporting their struggle against Spanish rule.
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Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, led English troops into the Netherlands, notably during the campaign to relieve the besieged town of Flushing.
Step 2
Explain why treatment of the poor changed in the period 1558-88.
Answer
The treatment of the poor evolved significantly due to various factors:
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Government Action: The Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601 established a system of poor relief, creating a structure where local authorities were responsible for providing assistance to the needy. This marked a shift from individual charity to a structured national approach.
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Poor Relief: Increased attention to the plight of the poor led to the establishment of almshouses and workhouses, which aimed to rehabilitate the poor rather than simply supporting them with handouts. The Act for the Relief of the Poor provided some institutional support, but the effectiveness and quality of this aid varied across regions.
Overall, these changes reflected a growing recognition of poverty as a social issue that required coordinated action rather than isolated charitable acts.
Step 3
‘The problem of Elizabeth’s legitimacy was the main problem she faced when she became queen in 1558.’
Answer
The legitimacy of Elizabeth I was indeed a significant concern as she ascended to the throne. Her mother, Anne Boleyn, had been executed, and her birth was surrounded by controversy, raising questions about her rightful claim. Furthermore, having been declared illegitimate by her half-sister, Mary I, Elizabeth had to navigate a treacherous political landscape filled with potential rivals.
However, while legitimacy was crucial, other factors also posed significant challenges. For instance, royal finances were precarious, limiting Elizabeth’s ability to govern effectively and defend against threats. Additionally, the Protestant Reformation and Catholic opposition added layers of complexity to her reign.
In conclusion, while Elizabeth’s legitimacy was a prominent issue, it was intertwined with other pressing matters that collectively shaped her rule.