GCSE History | Foreign Policy of Early Elizabethan England

History Quiz - Britain: Elizabethan England - Foreign Policy 1558-1585 (Questions)

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

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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

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

[ ]	Francis the Dauphin
[ ]	Henry
[ ]	Charles
[ ]	Louis

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

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

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

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

[ ]	Francis Drake
[ ]	Richard Grenville
[ ]	Walter Raleigh
[ ]	Martin Frobisher

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

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

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

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

[ ]	Falmouth
[ ]	Dartmouth
[ ]	Portsmouth
[ ]	Plymouth

10.

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

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

History Quiz - Britain: Elizabethan England - Foreign Policy 1558-1585 (Answers)

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

[x]	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

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

[ ]	Rouen
[ ]	Boulogne
[x]	Calais
[ ]	Dieppe

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

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

[ ]	Peter the Great
[x]	Ivan the Terrible
[ ]	Boris Godunov
[ ]	Catherine the Great

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

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

[x]	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

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

[x]	Francis Drake
[ ]	Richard Grenville
[ ]	Walter Raleigh
[ ]	Martin Frobisher

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

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

[x]	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

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
[x]	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

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

[x]	Hawkins
[ ]	Hakluyt
[ ]	Dudley
[ ]	Howard of Effingham

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