Photo AI
According to the website www.enotes.com, 'it was a good time to be English during the Elizabethan era' - OCR - GCSE History (OCR B Schools History Project) - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 9
According to the website www.enotes.com, 'it was a good time to be English during the Elizabethan era'. How far do you agree with this view of people's daily lives b... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:According to the website www.enotes.com, 'it was a good time to be English during the Elizabethan era' - OCR - GCSE History (OCR B Schools History Project) - Question 9 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the statement: 'it was a good time to be English during the Elizabethan era'
Answer
To evaluate this statement, it is essential to consider the socio-economic context of the Elizabethan era (1558-1603). The period saw a flourishing of arts, culture, and exploration. Elizabeth I's reign was marked by the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, enhancing national pride and stability.
However, while the gentry and merchants benefited from this prosperity, the common people faced challenges. The rise of the population led to increased competition for jobs and resources, resulting in poverty for many.
Step 2
Discuss daily life for the upper class
Answer
For the upper classes, daily life was significantly more comfortable and affluent. They enjoyed lavish lifestyles, with grand houses and the ability to host elaborate banquets. Access to education and the arts was common, and the elite often engaged in cultural pursuits, such as attending plays at the Globe Theatre.
Moreover, they had the resources to travel abroad, increasing their exposure to new ideas and cultures.
Step 3
Discuss daily life for the working class
Answer
Conversely, the working class faced a starkly different reality. Despite moments of prosperity, like the growth in the textile industry, many worked long hours in poor conditions. The laboring poor made up a significant portion of the population and were subjected to harsh living conditions.
They struggled to afford basic necessities like food and housing. The introduction of the Poor Law in 1601 brought some relief, but many remained unemployed or underpaid.
Step 4
Conclusion: Weighing both sides
Answer
In conclusion, while there were aspects of daily life during the Elizabethan era that could be considered good, such as the cultural advancements and growing economy for the upper classes, a significant portion of the population endured hardship and instability. Therefore, the statement has some merit but overlooks the difficulties faced by many, particularly among the lower classes.