Elizabeths authority in later years (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes

Elizabeth's authority in later years

The changing nature of Elizabeth's power in the 1590s

As Elizabeth entered the 1590s, she remained a powerful monarch but faced new challenges to her authority. By this time, she was ageing and encountered growing opposition both within her court and across the country. Economic difficulties, including poor harvests, created social tensions that threatened stability. Despite these pressures, Elizabeth maintained her position as queen, though there were clear signs that her authority was no longer as absolute as it had been in earlier decades.

Elizabeth's continuing strengths (1590-1603)

Military and political successes

Elizabeth demonstrated that she could still assert royal authority when necessary. The most significant example was her decisive handling of Essex's rebellion in 1601. When Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, attempted to challenge her authority, Elizabeth quickly defeated the uprising, showing that she remained firmly in control. This rebellion was ultimately unsuccessful and served to reinforce her position rather than weaken it.

The queen also maintained England's military reputation through successful overseas ventures, particularly the expedition to Cadiz in 1596. This naval victory demonstrated that England remained a formidable European power under her leadership.

Personal resilience and political stability

Elizabeth's physical health remained relatively good until late in her reign, allowing her to continue the demanding work of monarchy. Her longevity itself became a source of stability, as the country had known no other ruler for decades.

The death of Mary Queen of Scots had also removed the most serious dynastic threat to Elizabeth's throne. With no immediate rival claimant actively challenging her right to rule, Elizabeth's position was more secure than it had been in earlier years.

Growing challenges to royal authority

Personal factors and ageing

The French ambassador observed that Elizabeth had become "impatient" by the 1590s, and she displayed a less controlled temper than in her younger years. A notable incident occurred in 1597 when she lost her composure in front of the Polish ambassador, suggesting that age was affecting her legendary self-control and diplomatic skills.

Loss of trusted advisors

Elizabeth's government was severely weakened by the deaths of her most experienced and loyal advisors. Francis Walsingham, her spymaster and secretary, died in 1590. Francis Knollys, a long-serving councillor, died in 1596, followed by William Cecil (Lord Burghley) in 1598. These men had provided decades of loyal service and political expertise. Their loss meant Elizabeth had to rely increasingly on newer, less experienced advisors who did not command the same level of trust or competence.

Court factionalism and "new men"

The royal court became increasingly factional, with ambitious courtiers competing for the queen's favour. Robert Devereux, the Earl of Essex, emerged as a particularly influential figure, along with others such as Robert Cecil (Lord Salisbury, son of William Burghley). These "new men" brought different approaches and often conflicting interests, which weakened the unity of Elizabeth's government and made decision-making more difficult.

The patronage system, which had previously strengthened royal authority by creating loyalty, now became a source of tension as different factions competed for positions and rewards.

Financial pressures and parliamentary relations

Elizabeth faced serious financial difficulties that forced her to call Parliament more frequently. She summoned Parliament in 1593 and again in 1601 specifically to request taxation. This increased dependence on parliamentary grants reduced her financial independence and gave MPs more opportunities to voice concerns about royal policy.

The costs of military expeditions, including the ongoing war with Spain and the expensive campaign in Ireland, strained the royal treasury and made these parliamentary requests increasingly necessary.

Economic problems and social unrest

The 1590s were marked by particularly severe economic difficulties. Poor harvests led to food shortages and social discontent across the country. The situation became so serious that there was an uprising in Oxfordshire in 1596. Even more concerning for royal authority, there were reports of people openly expressing dissatisfaction with Elizabeth's rule. In Kent in 1601, someone was recorded saying "it will never be a merry world until the queen is dead," indicating that economic hardship was translating into criticism of the monarch herself.

These economic pressures made the population more receptive to potential rebellion and reduced the automatic loyalty that Elizabeth had previously enjoyed.

Timeline of key events

• 1590: Francis Walsingham dies, weakening Elizabeth's intelligence network
• 1593: Parliament called to grant taxation due to financial pressures
• 1596: Cadiz expedition demonstrates continuing military strength; Francis Knollys dies; Oxfordshire uprising occurs
• 1597: Elizabeth loses temper with Polish ambassador, showing signs of ageing
• 1598: William Cecil (Lord Burghley) dies, removing Elizabeth's most trusted advisor
• 1601: Essex's rebellion is defeated; Parliament called again for taxation; reports of anti-royal sentiment in Kent

The significance of Elizabeth's later years

Elizabeth's authority in her final years represents a complex period of transition. While she successfully maintained her throne and defeated direct challenges like Essex's rebellion, the foundations of royal power were clearly shifting. The combination of personal ageing, the loss of experienced advisors, financial pressures, and economic difficulties created new constraints on royal authority that had not existed earlier in her reign.

These changes foreshadowed some of the challenges that would face her successors, particularly regarding the relationship between crown and Parliament and the ongoing costs of military commitments. However, Elizabeth's ability to navigate these difficulties while maintaining essential royal authority demonstrated the political skills that had sustained her through four decades of rule.