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1 (a) 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 (a) 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 religi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:1 (a) 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 played a significant role in maintaining the monarchy's authority by acknowledging Elizabeth I as the supreme governor. This was vital for enhancing her legitimacy as the queen and ensuring loyalty among her subjects. Through sermons and church teachings, the clergy enforced the idea that obedience to the queen was a religious duty.
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Additionally, the Church provided a framework for public worship and community gatherings, which were essential for social cohesion. Religious festivals and ceremonies, such as May Day and Easter, fostered a sense of unity among the population and reinforced the Church’s central position in local communities.
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 objected strongly to the traditional vestments worn by clergy, viewing them as remnants of Catholicism. They argued that such garments were not scriptural and represented an undue focus on outward appearances rather than sincere worship. Their desire to strip the Church of England of such rituals underscored their push for a more 'purified' form of worship.
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The Act of Uniformity: This Act enforced the use of the Book of Common Prayer, which the Puritans believed fell short of true reform. They sought a more radical approach to ecclesiastical governance and worship practices, advocating for a return to what they viewed as a more biblical form of Christianity. This clash highlighted the deep divisions within the Church and reflected wider societal disputes about religious authority.
Step 3
‘The main cause of tension between Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots, was Mary’s claim to the English throne.’ How far do you agree? Explain your answer.
Answer
While Mary's claim to the English throne was undoubtedly a significant factor in the tensions between her and Elizabeth, there were additional underlying causes:
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Legitimacy Issues: Mary, being a legitimate heir to the throne through her descent from Henry VII, posed a direct challenge to Elizabeth's rule, which many viewed as illegitimate due to her birth as the daughter of Anne Boleyn, a union declared invalid by the Pope. This fostered a natural rivalry between the two queens.
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Political Intrigues and Plots: Various plots, such as the Babington Plot, aimed to place Mary on the throne, illustrating that the rivalry was not solely based on claims but also on actions taken by both sides. Elizabeth’s fear of Catholic conspiracies further escalated the distrust. Therefore, while Mary's claim was a central issue, the political dynamics and religious affiliations of the time also played critical roles in exacerbating their enmity.