Why did Mary pose a threat to Elizabeth?

?
View mindmap
  • Why did Mary pose a threat to Elizabeth?
    • Catholic figurehead
      • United the North, who were alienated from Elizabeth's government
      • Figureehad for Catholics abroad who wanted to see the end of a Protestant rule
    • Noble support
      • Earls of Northumberland and Westmorland
    • Legitimate claim to the throne (grandaughter of Margaret Beaufort)
      • Only surviving child of James V - claim to both the Scottish and English thrones
        • Ruled Scotland alone after her husband died in 1560
      • No doubt in legitimacy - born through Wedlock
        • Elizabeth's mother was Anne Boleyn - 'good' Catholics considered her illegitimate as the marriage was never valid
          • View of France and Spain (potential foreign rivals)
            • Threat of a Catholic crusade (coalition backed by the pope) was real
    • International context
      • Mary spent her youth in France (for safety) - knew French court/ married the heir to the French throne
        • Enhanced Elizabeth's security - Spain would not support a French candidate (too much power)
        • French could control the English Channel - preventing PII from reaching his Netherlands
        • Linked to the Guise family (powerful nobles)

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar History resources:

See all History resources »See all Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485-1603 resources »