The French Threat

The Threat from France

A war with France had ended in the 'Siege of Calais' on the 23rd of January 1558. The French captured the city of Calais, England's last piece of land on the European mainland.

The Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis

Mary I had been married to the King of Spain, King Felipe II.
Spain had been at war with France for 65 years over territory in Italy.
In 1557, England had joined the war between Spain and France on the Spanish side, supporting King Felipe II.
The 1559 Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis between France and Spain ended the war. It recognised Calais as being 'in French custody'.

French rule in Scotland

King James of Scotland died in 1542. He had been married to a French lady, Mary de Guise and had a daughter with her, Mary Queen of Scots.
Mary Queen of Scots was only a few weeks old when King James died.
So, Scotland was run by Mary of Guise (as Mary Queen of Scots' regent).
In 1548, she invited French soldiers to defend Scotland from England. Mary Queen of Scots was evacuated to France.
France was a Catholic country in the 1550s and Elizabeth was an English Protestant.

Mary Queen of Scots

Mary, Queen of Scots, Elizabeth's main political rival was engaged (or promised in marriage) to the French King, King Francis II, who was also known as the 'Dauphin of France'.
In 1558, Mary Queen of Scots married King Francis II.
This increased the risk that Mary and France would invade England, with Mary Queen of Scots hoping to become the Queen of England too.

1Queen, Government & Religion

1.1Elizabeth I & her Court

1.1.1Elizabeth's Accession

1.1.2Elizabeth's Court

1.1.3The French Threat

1.1.4End of Topic Test - Elizabeth I & her Court

1.1.5Grade 9 - Elizabeth I & her Court

1.1.6Exam-Style Questions - French Threats

1.2Elizabeth's Opponents in Court & Parliament

1.2.1The Difficulties of Being a Female Ruler

1.2.2Mary Queen of Scots

1.2.3End of Topic Test - Elizabeth's Opponents

1.2.4Grade 9 - Elizabeth's Opponents

1.2.5Exam-Style Questions - Mary Queen of Scots

2Challenges to Elizabeth at Home & Abroad

2.1The Religious Settlement

2.1.1Henry VIII's Protestant Legacy

2.1.2The Religious Settlement

2.1.3Religious Threats to Elizabeth I

2.1.4End of Topic Test - The Religious Settlement

2.1.5Grade 9 - Challenges at Home & Abroad

2.1.6Exam-Style Questions - Religious Threats

2.2Rebellion & War

2.2.1Plots & Revolts at Home 1569-88

2.2.2War with Spain

2.2.3End of Topic Test - Challenges at Home and Abroad

2.2.4Grade 9 - Rebellion and War

2.2.5Exam-Style Questions - Northern Rebellion

3Elizabethan Society 1558-88

3.1Education & Leisure

3.1.1Leisure & Education under Elizabeth

3.1.2End of Topic Test - Education & Leisure

3.2The Poor & Living Standards

3.2.1Living Standards & the Gentry

3.2.2Paupers & Charity under Elizabeth

3.2.3End of Topic Test - Elizabethan Society

3.2.4Exam-Style Questions - Poverty

3.3Exploration & Discovery

3.3.1Navigation & Exploration under Elizabeth

3.3.2End of Topic Test - Exploration and Discovery

3.3.3Grade 9 - Elizabethan Society & Navigation

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