Elizabeth I’s relationship with her parliaments was harmonious. How far do you agree?

Elizabeth I’s reign saw a significant transformation in the relationship between the monarch and Parliament. While there were periods of cooperation and shared goals, a harmonious relationship was far from a constant. To assess the extent of agreement with the statement, we must explore both the evidence for a harmonious relationship and the instances of conflict that emerged.

Support for a harmonious relationship between Elizabeth and Parliament:

There are several factors that support the notion of a harmonious relationship between Elizabeth and Parliament. Firstly, both parties often shared common aims, such as maintaining the established Church of England and ensuring national security. Elizabeth's religious settlement, though controversial, aimed to strike a balance between Catholicism and Protestantism, and Parliament generally supported this policy. The threat posed by Spain, especially during the Spanish Armada in 1588, also fostered a sense of unity. For example, Parliament readily granted financial support to fund the defense of England, demonstrating a shared commitment to national security. This was particularly evident during the 1590s when considerable funds were needed to support the war against Spain.

Secondly, Elizabeth’s skill in managing Parliament contributed to a sense of control. She used her prerogative powers effectively, proroguing or dissolving Parliament when necessary to prevent unwelcome debates or to ensure her own agenda was followed. This control was further enhanced by the fact that the number of MPs attending Parliament was often low, making it easier for the Crown to influence proceedings. Furthermore, MPs themselves often preferred short sessions, as these were expensive and time-consuming. This meant that they were more willing to cooperate with the Crown in order to avoid prolonged sittings and costly delays.

The nature of legislation also contributed to a sense of harmony. Much of the legislation passed during Elizabeth’s reign focused on local issues, such as land ownership and trade, fostering a sense of consensus and avoiding major clashes with the Queen. The ‘Golden Speech’ delivered by Elizabeth in 1559, outlining her commitment to her subjects and her understanding of their role, helped to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation.

Support for conflict in the relationship between Elizabeth and Parliament:

Despite these factors, there were significant points of tension that challenge the notion of a harmonious relationship. The growing influence of the gentry, many of whom were university educated and more independent-minded, led to a more assertive Parliament. This group was increasingly influenced by Puritan ideas, which often clashed with Elizabeth's desire for religious uniformity. Puritan MPs, such as Peter Wentworth, challenged the Queen's authority and advocated for greater religious reform. This led to conflict, as Elizabeth was determined to maintain the religious settlement and rejected any attempts to alter it.

The issue of Mary, Queen of Scots, further strained the relationship. Many MPs pressured Elizabeth to act decisively against Mary, fearing she posed a threat to her throne. Elizabeth's reluctance to execute her cousin, despite repeated pleas from Parliament, fueled tensions and fuelled a sense of mistrust. The conflict even reached a point where Elizabeth was forced to dissolve Parliament in 1572 to prevent a vote on the execution of Mary Stuart.

Furthermore, Elizabeth’s use of the royal prerogative, particularly the issuing of monopolies, provoked strong opposition. These monopolies gave exclusive rights to certain individuals, causing hardship and resentment amongst merchants and traders. Parliament strongly condemned these practices, leading to further clashes with the Queen. Elizabeth’s use of the veto, a power she exercised on numerous occasions, also highlighted disagreements and a lack of absolute harmony.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while there were periods of cooperation and shared goals between Elizabeth and Parliament, a harmonious relationship was not the norm. Elizabeth’s skillful management of Parliament, her focus on national security and her effective use of the prerogative powers ensured a degree of control. However, the growing influence of the gentry, the emergence of Puritanism and the Queen’s reluctance to act decisively against Mary Stuart created significant points of tension. The issuance of monopolies in Elizabeth’s later years further strained the relationship. Therefore, while there were moments of harmony, the relationship between Elizabeth and Parliament was characterized by a complex interplay of cooperation and conflict.