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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 - GCSE History (OCR B Schools History Project) - 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 - GCSE History (OCR B Schools History Project) - Question 8 - 2020 - Paper 1
Step 1
Assessing Susan Doran's Argument
Answer
Susan Doran posits that the threat from English Catholics has often been overstated. It's crucial to analyze the context of her statement by examining the sociopolitical climate of late 16th-century England. During this period, England was navigating the tensions of Protestant reformations, and Catholics were facing repression. We must consider how Elizabeth's government perceived Catholics as a significant threat and how their persecution influenced public opinion.
Step 2
The Nature of the Catholic Threat
Answer
The Catholic threat to Elizabethan England was multifaceted, including religious dissent, potential foreign invasions, and plots to assassinate the Queen. Notable events such as the Spanish Armada in 1588 highlighted the fear of a Catholic uprising. Key figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, galvanized Catholic support until her execution in 1587. This suggests that the threat was not only ideological but also tangible, as conspiracies like the Babington Plot demonstrated.
Step 3
Extent of the Threat from 1580 to 1603
Answer
The extent of the Catholic threat varied throughout this period. For instance, while the Catholic community in England was sizable, many Catholics were loyal to Elizabeth, especially after the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots. This loyalty diminished the perceived immediacy of the threat. Yet, events such as the Gunpowder Plot in 1605 illustrated that extremist factions posed a serious risk, further blurring the lines between exaggerated fears and genuine threats.
Step 4
Conclusion: Agreement or Disagreement with Doran
Answer
In conclusion, while Doran's argument that the Catholic threat was exaggerated holds some merit, particularly regarding the loyalty of many Catholics, it overlooks significant conspiracies that arose in this turbulent period. It is essential to recognize that while the overall threat may have been inflated by propaganda and political maneuvering, the potential for genuine dissent and instability was ever-present, thus complicating the legacy of Elizabethan religious politics.