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GCSE EdExcel History Elizabeth I in England, 1558 - 88
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518 students

GCSE EdExcel History Elizabeth I in England, 1558 - 88

Elizabethan I - easly years including Elizbethan Settlement, Mary - Queen of Scots and The Spanish Armada
Created byOpen eLMS
Last updated 8/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • Analyze the political, religious, and economic challenges Elizabeth I faced and evaluate her initial policy responses.
  • Explain key plots against Elizabeth I and assess the role of Mary, Queen of Scots in these events.
  • Evaluate England's foreign policy with Spain and how naval developments contributed to its growing influence.
  • Describe social and economic conditions, differentiating between the gentry and the poor, and assessing London's growth.

Course content

25 sections • 25 lectures • 3h 58m total length

  • Government on Elizabeth's accession5:06

    This course provides a foundational understanding of the governmental structure during Queen Elizabeth I's reign, from 1558 to 1588. It explores the roles of key institutions such as the Court, Privy Council, Parliament, and local administrators. Learners will gain insight into how power was distributed and exercised in Early Elizabethan England.

  • Government on Elizabeth's accession Quiz

Requirements

  • Basic English reading and writing skills – to understand content and complete written tasks.
  • An interest in history or historical change – especially related to politics, religion, and monarchy.
  • Access to a notebook or digital device – for taking notes and completing short tasks or quizzes.
  • A quiet space with internet access – to watch video lessons and engage with interactive content.

Description

This GCSE EdExcel History course on Elizabeth I provides a comprehensive exploration of early Elizabethan England during the foundational years of Elizabeth I's reign, from 1558 to 1588. This was a critical period that saw the young queen navigate a treacherous landscape of political instability, religious division, and international rivalry. The course aims to move beyond a simple narrative of events, instead inviting learners to analyze the complex web of challenges and decisions that ultimately defined Elizabeth's rule and laid the groundwork for England's rise as a global power.


A central theme of the course is the Elizabethan Settlement, Elizabeth's masterful attempt to forge a religious compromise through the Acts of Supremacy and Uniformity. We will delve into the challenges she faced in establishing a moderate Protestant church, examining the threats from both fervent Catholics who sought to restore papal authority and radical Puritans who desired further reform. This section will highlight how religious policy was inextricably linked to domestic and foreign policy, shaping the loyalties of her subjects and the actions of her European rivals.


Another major focus is the political and religious threat posed by Mary, Queen of Scots. We will trace Mary's journey from her return to Scotland to her flight to England, her long imprisonment, and her role as a figurehead for numerous Catholic plots against Elizabeth's life. We will analyze significant conspiracies like the Ridolfi and Babington plots, scrutinizing the motivations of the conspirators and the intricate intelligence networks Elizabeth’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, developed to counter them. Her execution in 1587 serves as a powerful case study in the high-stakes politics of the era.


Another major focus is the political and religious threat posed by Mary, Queen of Scots. We will trace Mary's journey from her return to Scotland to her flight to England, her long imprisonment, and her role as a figurehead for numerous Catholic plots against Elizabeth's life. We will analyze significant conspiracies like the Ridolfi and Babington plots, scrutinizing the motivations of the conspirators and the intricate intelligence networks Elizabeth’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham, developed to counter them. Her execution in 1587 serves as a powerful case study in the high-stakes politics of the era.


By the end of this course, learners will be equipped to analyze Elizabeth I’s strategic genius and understand how her policies in religion, foreign affairs, and domestic governance steered England through its most dangerous years. The course will give learners the tools to interpret primary sources, evaluate historical arguments, and appreciate the lasting legacy of a queen who, against all odds, ushered in a golden age.


This course is a comprehensive study guide designed for students preparing for the GCSE EdExcel examination. Per Udemy policy, the course is intended for purchase by adults (18+) who will supervise the learning and account usage of the enrolled student. Enrollment must be handled by a parent or legal guardian.


This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

Who this course is for:

  • Year 10 and Year 11 students preparing for exams who want clear, structured revision support.
  • Home-schooled learners looking for a complete, curriculum-aligned resource.
  • Teachers or tutors seeking high-quality video content to supplement their teaching.
  • Parents supporting their child’s GCSE History learning at home.

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