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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 Feature 2 (b) Explain why there was an increase in exploration in the years 1558... 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
Describe two features of Elizabeth's religious settlement (1559).
Answer
Feature 1: The Act of Supremacy was passed in 1559, establishing Elizabeth as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. This act aimed to resolve the religious tensions between Catholics and Protestants by promoting a degree of compromise.
Feature 2: The Act of Uniformity introduced a Book of Common Prayer, which standardized church services in a way that appealed to both religious factions. This act required all church services to follow a specific format, thereby reinforcing Elizabeth's authority in religious matters.
Step 2
Explain why there was an increase in exploration in the years 1558–88.
Answer
One key reason for the increase in exploration was the advancements in navigational aids. Improvements in cartography and the invention of better navigational instruments, such as the astrolabe and compass, allowed sailors to travel further and with greater precision.
Additionally, the demand for luxury goods played a significant role in prompting exploration. The European appetite for commodities such as spices, silks, and precious metals drove explorers to seek new trade routes and territories, especially as competition with other maritime powers intensified.
Step 3
‘The effective use of naval tactics was the main reason for the English victory over the Spanish Armada.’
Answer
While effective naval tactics certainly contributed to England's victory in 1588, other factors were also crucial. For instance, the use of fire ships played a pivotal role in disrupting the Spanish fleet, causing confusion and chaos. Moreover, adverse weather conditions significantly impacted the Spanish Armada's performance, as storms crippled their ships during the return journey.
In conclusion, while naval tactics were important, it was a combination of strategies and external circumstances that led to the English victory.