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1 Describe two features of the role of the Church of England in Early Elizabethan society - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 1
1 Describe two features of the role of the Church of England in Early Elizabethan society. Feature 1 (b) Explain why the Puritans challenged Elizabeth’s religio... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 Describe two features of the role of the Church of England in Early Elizabethan society - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 1 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe two features of the role of the Church of England in Early Elizabethan society.
Answer
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The Church of England's Role in Governance: The Church of England was instrumental in promoting loyalty to the Queen, who was seen as the Supreme Governor of the Church. By aligning religious practices with the monarchy, the church reinforced the idea that obedience to the Queen was not only a political obligation but a divine one. This connection helped to stabilize Elizabeth's rule and maintain order in a society that had seen significant religious upheaval.
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Community Engagement and Religious Practices: The Church engaged with communities through various religious celebrations, such as Christmas and Easter. These events fostered a sense of community and unity among citizens, furthering the church's influence in everyday life. By providing spiritual guidance and conducting important ceremonies like baptisms and weddings, the Church served as a central institution in people's lives.
Step 2
Explain why the Puritans challenged Elizabeth’s religious settlement.
Answer
The Puritans challenged Elizabeth’s religious settlement for several reasons:
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Vestments: The Puritans opposed the use of specific clerical vestments, which they viewed as remnants of Catholicism. They believed that the attire distracted from the true essence of worship and promoted a hierarchical rather than a congregational approach to church leadership.
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The Act of Uniformity: The Puritans contested the Act of Uniformity, arguing that it did not go far enough in reforming church practices. They sought more radical changes to eliminate what they perceived to be remnants of Catholic rituals and to promote a purer form of worship. This led to significant tensions between Puritan factions and the established Church, as the latter endeavored to maintain its authority and traditions.
Step 3
‘The main cause of tension between Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots, was Mary’s claim to the English throne.’
Answer
The statement emphasizes the importance of Mary's claim as a focal point of tension, but other factors also played critical roles:
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Mary’s Legitimacy: As a legitimate heir to the throne, Mary's claim was seen as a direct challenge to Elizabeth’s rule. Many Catholics viewed Elizabeth's reign as illegitimate due to her mother's marriage and her resulting birth, creating a viable claim for Mary that incited conflict.
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Plots and Political Maneuvering: Numerous plots against Elizabeth, including the Babington Plot, further escalated tensions. These conspiracies were often orchestrated by those who sought to install Mary as the Queen of England, underscoring the threat she posed to Elizabeth's reign.
Although Mary’s claim was significant, the combination of legitimacy issues and continuous plotting created an atmosphere of distrust and danger, emphasizing that the situation was complex and multifaceted.