Mary Queen of Scots and the Succession Danger Flashcards

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Who was Mary Queen of Scots and how was she related to Elizabeth I?

Mary Queen of Scots was the Catholic queen of Scotland. She was Elizabeth I’s cousin, as both were grandchildren of Henry VII.

Why did Mary Queen of Scots have a strong claim to the English throne?

She was Elizabeth I’s closest royal relative. As a granddaughter of Henry VII, many people saw her as next in line after Elizabeth.

Why did Mary’s Catholic religion make her a danger to Elizabeth I?

Elizabeth was a Protestant queen. Many English Catholics wanted a Catholic ruler, so they saw Mary as a better queen and a possible replacement for Elizabeth.

Why did Mary Queen of Scots flee to England in 1568?

Mary lost her Scottish throne after a rebellion against her. She fled to England to ask Elizabeth I for help to win it back.

How did Mary’s arrival in England in 1568 increase the succession danger?

Mary was now inside England, not far away in Scotland or France. This made it easier for enemies of Elizabeth to plan to free her and put her on the English throne.

What does the term ‘heir presumptive’ mean, and why was Mary seen as one?

An ‘heir presumptive’ is the person most likely to inherit the throne if nothing important changes. Because Elizabeth had no children, many people saw Mary as the heir presumptive.

Why did some Catholics think Mary, not Elizabeth, was the rightful queen?

The Pope never accepted Henry VIII’s marriage to Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth’s mother. Some Catholics said this made Elizabeth illegitimate and claimed Mary, a Catholic Tudor granddaughter, was the true queen.

What did Elizabeth I decide to do with Mary after she reached England?

Elizabeth kept Mary under guard in different country houses and castles. Mary was not free, but she remained alive and could still be used as a figurehead by plotters.

Why was Elizabeth I unwilling to name Mary Queen of Scots as her heir?

If Elizabeth named Mary as her heir, it might encourage people to kill Elizabeth to put Mary on the throne sooner. Elizabeth also did not want to give more power to someone she saw as a threat.

How did Mary Queen of Scots add to fears about what would happen after Elizabeth I died?

Elizabeth had no child and would not choose a clear successor. People feared a struggle or even civil war for the crown, and Mary’s strong claim made this risk seem greater.