Year 8 - History
Elizabeth I and the succession: The Virgin Queen
Elizabeth I: why has Elizabeth been represented so differently?
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils learn about Elizabeth I's reign before examining some popular depictions of her. They build knowledge about her religious, domestic, and foreign policies before considering why she has been represented so differently.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why Elizabeth never married.
Key Notes
- Elizabeth succeeded her sister Mary I to the throne.
- Elizabeth had foreign suitors in marriage such as Philip II of Spain .
- There were rumours of Elizabeth loving the Earl of Leicester.
- By 1580 Elizabeth used propaganda to present herself as the 'Virgin Queen' after rejecting all suitors.
- Elizabeth's successor was the Scottish king James VI of Scotland and I of England.
Vocabulary To Learn
- succession: the succession is the process of inheriting a title, such as becoming the king or queen
- suitor: a suitor is someone who pursues a relationship with a particular person in an attempt to marry them
- propaganda: propaganda is communication such as paintings used to influence or persuade an audience of a certain idea
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Elizabeth was the first female ruler of England.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
Elizabeth succeeded her sister Mary I to the throne. Elizabeth had foreign suitors in marriage such as Philip II of Spain .
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'succession'
the succession is the process of inheriting a title, such as becoming the king or queen.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: Elizabeth was the first female ruler of England. Correction: There were female rulers before Elizabeth, including her sister Mary I immediately preceeding her.
More Lessons In This Unit
Browse all guides in the Year 8 History guide library.