KS1 (Age 5-7)KS2 (Age 7-11)11 Plus (Age 7-11)KS3 (Age 11-14)GCSE (Age 14-17)PSHE A.I.ESL Spanish Specialist Games

Need help with Britain: Elizabethan England - Foreign Policy 1558-1585? Ask our AI Tutor!

AI Tutor - Lucy

Connecting with Tutor...

Please wait while we establish connection

Hi! I'm Lucy, your AI tutor. How can I help you with Britain: Elizabethan England - Foreign Policy 1558-1585 today?

now

Plymouth was the main base for Francis Drake's activities.

Britain: Elizabethan England - Foreign Policy 1558-1585

Discover how Elizabeth I balanced peace and war in Europe, managing France, Spain, and the Netherlands while protecting England from invasion and religious conflict.

Explore the Topic →

(quiz starts below)

Fascinating Fact:

The Treaty of Cateau Cambresis in 1559 ended the war with France. England accepted the loss of Calais, which was a serious but realistic sacrifice for peace.

In GCSE History, this Elizabethan foreign policy topic looks at how Elizabeth I tried to keep England secure and avoid costly wars. You study her aims towards France, Spain, and the Netherlands, and how religion and trade influenced decisions.

Key Terms

Foreign policy: A government’s plans for dealing with other countries, including war, peace, trade, and alliances.
Alliance: An agreement between countries to support each other, often in war or against a common enemy.
Privateer: A captain with official permission to attack enemy ships and share captured goods with the Crown.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What was Elizabeth I’s foreign policy between 1558 and 1585?

Elizabeth I aimed to protect England from invasion, avoid expensive wars, and support Protestant causes carefully. She tried to keep peace with France and Spain while quietly helping Protestants in Scotland and the Netherlands.

Why was the loss of Calais important for Elizabethan England?

Calais was England’s last territory in France and had symbolic and trading value. Accepting its loss damaged national pride but brought peace with France, allowing Elizabeth to focus on Spain and internal security.

What should I revise for Elizabethan foreign policy GCSE History?

Revise Elizabeth I’s aims, the Treaty of Cateau Cambresis, relations with France and Spain, support for the Dutch rebels, privateering, and how religion and Mary, Queen of Scots, affected foreign policy decisions.

Try These Related Quizzes

1 .

With which of his possessions was Philip II continually at war from 1566 onwards, tempting Elizabeth to intervene on the Protestant side?

The Netherlands

Belgium

Picardy

The Franche Comte

Philip dealt harshly with rebellions, sometimes sending commanders like the Duke of Alba, whose repression could make matters worse

2 .

Which senior member of the French royal family married Mary, Queen of Scots shortly after Elizabeth's accession?

Francis the Dauphin

Henry

Charles

Louis

The revival of the "Auld Alliance" of France and Scotland alarmed Elizabeth as she faced a potential threat from both north and south at the same time

3 .

Who led the 1577-1580 naval expedition that sailed around the world and attacked Spanish installations?

Francis Drake

Richard Grenville

Walter Raleigh

Martin Frobisher

Elizabeth supported such voyages of piracy to make money and to annoy the Spanish

4 .

In 1580 Elizabeth sent her first ambassador to the Sublime Porte. By what name is this state better known?

The Ottoman Empire

Poland-Lithuania

Malta

Palestine

Elizabeth was anxious to set up a diplomatic service to represent English interests abroad. The Ottoman Empire was centred around modern-day Turkey

5 .

Which of Elizabeth's courtiers served as ambassador in Paris in the 1570's, and ended up as the queen's security advisor? He consistently supported a French alliance directed against Spain.

Sir Christopher Hatton

Sir Francis Walsingham

William Cecil

Earl of Leicester

Several of Elizabeth's courtiers pressed for a more proactive policy against domestic plots and their backers in Spain

6 .

With which Russian monarch did Elizabeth maintain contact, following her half-brother's dealings with them?

Peter the Great

Ivan the Terrible

Boris Godunov

Catherine the Great

Elizabeth was keen to build on Edward VI's contacts for trading reasons

7 .

Which port in South West England was the main base for Drake's activities?

Falmouth

Dartmouth

Portsmouth

Plymouth

Drake operated from a port that commanded the Channel, and was a vantage point from which to observe French or Spanish naval movements

8 .

Which port in Northern France was Elizabeth hoping to recover by her attacks on the town of Le Havre in 1562-3?

Rouen

Boulogne

Calais

Dieppe

Elizabeth wanted a foothold on the continent for trade and military purposes

9 .

In 1570 the Pope took action against Elizabeth. What action was this?

To excommunicate her

To threaten military action against England by papal forces

To offer large sums of cash to Spain to support an invasion of England

To urge English Catholics to stir up an anti-Elizabeth rebellion in Ireland

Until 1570 the Popes were hopeful that Elizabeth would emerge as a Catholic. When this no longer seemed likely, Rome struck against the English queen

10 .

With which fellow pirate did Drake cut his teeth in the 1560's, accompanying his voyages on at least two occasions?

Hawkins

Hakluyt

Dudley

Howard of Effingham

Drake served his apprenticeship as a sailor and a pirate during his 20's

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Elizabeth I

Author: Edward Towne

**Unlimited Quizzes Await You! 🚀**

Hey there, quiz champ! 🌟 You've already tackled today's free questions.
Ready for more?

🔓 Unlock UNLIMITED Quizzes and challenge yourself every day. But that's
not all...

🔥 As a Subscriber you can join our thrilling "Daily Streak" against other
quizzers. Try to win a coveted spot on our Hall of Fame Page.

Don't miss out! Join us now and keep the fun rolling. 🎉

Subscribe & Play

**Unlimited Quizzes Await You! 🚀**

Hey there, quiz champ! 🌟 You've already tackled today's free questions. Ready for more?

🔓 Unlock UNLIMITED Quizzes and challenge yourself every day. But that's not all...

🔥 As a Subscriber you can join our thrilling "Daily Streak" against other quizzers. Try to win a coveted spot on our Hall of Fame Page.

Don't miss out! Join us now and keep the fun rolling. 🎉

Subscribe & Play

Contact Details

Education Quizzes

Heron's Way, Wragg Marsh
Spalding
Lincolnshire
PE12 6HH
England

Email

admin@educationquizzes.com

Customer Service

Home Page Parents Students Tutors Teachers
Colour Filters Safe AI
Your Account

Here To Help

About Us

Our Team Testimonials Parent Reviews Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy

Leave Feedback