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In her book Elizabeth I and Religion 1558–1603, published in 1993, historian Susan Doran argued that 'the danger from English Catholics was exaggerated' - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Question 8
In her book Elizabeth I and Religion 1558–1603, published in 1993, historian Susan Doran argued that 'the danger from English Catholics was exaggerated'. How far do ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In her book Elizabeth I and Religion 1558–1603, published in 1993, historian Susan Doran argued that 'the danger from English Catholics was exaggerated' - OCR Gateway - GCSE History - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Evaluate the Argument: 'Exaggeration of the Catholic Threat'
Answer
Susan Doran's assertion hinges on the interpretation of events and threats posed by Catholics in England during this period. Firstly, it is important to consider the social and political context of the late 16th century. Following the attempted Catholic resurgence, particularly after Mary I's reign, many Protestant leaders viewed any Catholic presence with suspicion. While there were real threats such as the Babington Plot in 1586, the responses from the Protestant government often amplified these fears beyond their immediate reality.
Critically, Doran's argument prompts us to analyze the impact of propaganda and political maneuvering on the perceived threat. The Elizabethan regime painted Catholics not just as religious opponents but as enemies of the state, using the rhetoric of danger to legitimize harsh policies against them. Such exaggeration often muddled the actual number and organization of active Catholic dissidents, leading to a skewed perception of their threat level.
Step 2
Contextual Factors Impacting the Catholic Threat
Answer
The nature of the perceived Catholic threat was not solely based on actual rebellions or plots, but also on broader societal fears and political contexts. For instance, the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1587 generated significant alarm among Catholics, who saw her as a legitimate monarch. This alarm encouraged further plots against Elizabeth, illustrating how perception directly influenced action.
Moreover, the actions taken by the English government, including the enforcement of the Act Against Papists in 1585, further heightened tensions. While some Catholics did indeed strive against the Elizabethan state, the level of widespread organized rebellion was limited, challenging the extent of the threat suggested by some contemporaneous accounts.
Step 3
Contrasting Perspectives
Answer
It is essential to balance Doran's assessment with alternative perspectives. Historians like Christopher Haigh suggest that Catholicism remained a vibrant force in England, despite oppression. Many Catholics adhered to their faith quietly, minimizing the need for overt rebellion. This perspective tends to cast doubt on the notion that Catholics posed a significant coordinated threat to the crown.
Additionally, recognizing the plight and motivations of Catholics during this era highlights the complexity of the historical narrative. While individuals like Anthony Babington certainly posed threats, they were not representative of the entire Catholic population, which largely sought to coexist with the Protestant establishment.
Step 4
Conclusion: Weighing the Arguments
Answer
In conclusion, agreeing or disagreeing with Doran's interpretation necessitates an understanding of the evidence of both perceived and real threats. While some danger from Catholics was indeed present, the narrative of exaggerated threats serves as a lens through which to scrutinize the motivations and reactions of Elizabethan authority. Ultimately, the balance of evidence suggests that while there were some real threats, the extent of the danger posed by Catholics may have been disproportionately represented in historical discourse.