Mary I's Accession to the Throne: A Comprehensive Guide for History Students

Question 1

Which foreign policy decision was a key action taken by Queen Mary I during her reign?

Accepted Answer

Marrying Philip of Spain

Answer

Forming an alliance with France against Spain

Answer

Marrying the Duke of Anjou

Answer

Declaring war on Scotland

Question 2

What significant challenge did Mary I encounter during her reign?

Accepted Answer

Opposition from Protestant reformers

Answer

Lack of support from Parliament

Answer

A thriving economy

Answer

Peaceful international relations

Question 3

What was the primary reason for Mary I's decision to restore Catholicism in England?

Accepted Answer

Her strong Catholic beliefs

Answer

Public demand for Catholicism

Answer

Pressure from Spain

Answer

Lack of support for Protestantism

Question 4

What was the PRIMARY significance of Mary I's marriage to Philip of Spain?

Accepted Answer

It strengthened the Catholic alliance and secured Spanish support

Answer

It led to a period of religious toleration

Answer

It alienated England from its Protestant allies

Question 5

Which of the following was a CENTRAL policy of Mary I's reign?

Accepted Answer

The restoration of Catholicism

Answer

The establishment of Protestantism

Answer

The expansion of trade with the Netherlands

Answer

The promotion of religious toleration

Question 6

What was the nickname given to Mary I's religious persecution of Protestants?

Accepted Answer

The Marian Persecutions

Answer

The Bloody Assizes

Answer

The Protestant Purge

Answer

The Spanish Inquisition

Question 7

What was the PRIMARY cause of Mary I's premature death?

Accepted Answer

She died of influenza

Answer

She abdicated in favor of her sister Elizabeth

Answer

She was overthrown in a rebellion

Question 8

How did Mary I's religious policies differ from those of her father, Henry VIII?

Accepted Answer

They were more radical and intolerant

Answer

They were essentially the same

Answer

They were more moderate and tolerant

Question 9

What would be the most valuable source to use to evaluate the impact of Mary I's religious policies?

Accepted Answer

Records of trials and executions

Answer

Catholic propaganda

Answer

The writings of Protestant reformers

Answer

Official government documents

Question 10

In 1554, Mary I entered into a political marriage with which foreign ruler?

Accepted Answer

Philip of Spain

Answer

Thomas Seymour

Answer

Edward VI

Answer

Henry VIII

Question 11

Mary I's accession to the throne in 1553 had a profound impact on the religious landscape of England. Which of the following best describes this impact?

Accepted Answer

The restoration of Catholicism as the official religion

Answer

The abolition of the Church of England

Answer

The establishment of Protestantism as the official religion

Answer

The introduction of religious tolerance

Question 12

During Mary I's reign, a rebellion broke out against her rule. What was the name of this rebellion?

Accepted Answer

Wyatt's Rebellion

Answer

The Cornish Rebellion

Answer

The Pilgrimage of Grace

Answer

The Northern Rebellion

Question 13

England's involvement in the Spanish war against France during Mary I's reign was a direct result of:

Accepted Answer

Her marriage to Philip of Spain

Answer

The establishment of a permanent Spanish presence in England

Answer

The loss of Calais to the French

Question 14

Mary I's marriage to Philip of Spain and their subsequent alliance with the Habsburgs had a significant impact on the balance of power in Europe. How did it affect the religious and political landscape of the continent?

Accepted Answer

It strengthened the Catholic alliance against the rising power of Protestantism

Answer

It had no impact on the balance of power in Europe

Answer

It weakened the Catholic alliance against the rising power of Protestantism

Question 15

Mary I's religious policies were primarily motivated by:

Accepted Answer

Her deep Catholic faith and her desire to restore papal authority in England

Answer

Her desire to weaken the power of the Church of England

Answer

Her desire to gain the support of the Protestant population

Answer

Her desire to promote religious tolerance

Question 16

What factors led to the unpopularity of Lady Jane Grey's reign?

Accepted Answer

She was seen as an illegitimate Protestant claimant imposed by the Duke of Northumberland, and her reign was short-lived.

Answer

She married a foreign prince.

Answer

She was too young and inexperienced to rule.

Question 17

What were the motivations behind Mary I's marriage to Philip of Spain?

Accepted Answer

To strengthen the Catholic alliance between England and Spain and to secure a Catholic heir to the throne.

Answer

To lead to the outbreak of the Anglo-Spanish war.

Answer

To produce a male heir to the throne.

Question 18

What was the primary reason for the persecution of Protestants during Mary I's reign?

Accepted Answer

Mary I's devout Catholic beliefs and her determination to restore Catholicism in England.

Answer

Revenge for the persecution of Catholics under Henry VIII.

Answer

Pressure from the Pope and other Catholic rulers.

Question 19

How did Mary I's policies impact the lives of ordinary English people?

Accepted Answer

Religious persecution, economic hardship, and political unrest.

Answer

Strengthened the power of the monarchy.

Answer

Brought about a period of peace and prosperity.

Question 20

What is Mary I primarily remembered for?

Accepted Answer

Her persecution of Protestants, known as the Marian Persecutions.

Answer

Her military victories against France

Answer

Her economic reforms

Answer

Her marriage to Prince Edward

Question 21

What were the consequences of Mary I's death?

Accepted Answer

The accession of Elizabeth I to the throne and the return to Protestantism.

Answer

A civil war between Catholics and Protestants.

Answer

A period of political and economic instability.

Question 22

Which of the following events directly preceded Mary I's ascension to the throne?

Accepted Answer

The death of Edward VI

Answer

The signing of the Treaty of Cateau-Cambrésis

Answer

The execution of Lady Jane Grey

Answer

The defeat of the Spanish Armada

Question 23

What was the primary reason for Mary I's strong Catholic beliefs?

Accepted Answer

She was raised as a Catholic and deeply committed to the faith.

Answer

She was influenced by the Spanish court during her exile.

Answer

She believed Catholicism was the only true faith.

Question 24

Mary I's marriage to Philip of Spain was controversial for all of the following reasons EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

It strengthened England's ties with France.

Answer

It raised fears of Spanish influence over English affairs.

Answer

It lacked popular support and sparked unrest.

Answer

It was unpopular with many English people.

Question 25

What was the primary goal of Mary I's religious reforms?

Accepted Answer

To restore Catholicism as the official religion of England.

Answer

To promote religious tolerance.

Answer

To establish a new Protestant denomination.

Question 26

The period of Mary I's reign is often referred to as 'Bloody Mary' due to:

Accepted Answer

The persecution of Protestants during the religious reforms.

Answer

The violent suppression of political dissent.

Answer

The harsh treatment of Catholics by Protestants.

Question 27

What was the main reason for Mary I's failure to produce an heir?

Accepted Answer

She suffered from multiple miscarriages.

Answer

She was opposed by her court.

Answer

She was too focused on her religious reforms.

Answer

Her husband, Philip, was infertile.

Question 28

Which of the following best describes Mary I's legacy?

Accepted Answer

A reign marked by religious persecution and political instability.

Answer

A period of peace and prosperity.

Answer

A successful restoration of Catholic dominance.

Question 29

Mary I's accession to the throne was a significant turning point in English history because:

Accepted Answer

It reversed the Protestant reforms of Edward VI and restored Catholicism as the official religion.

Answer

It led to the establishment of a powerful monarchy.

Answer

It marked the end of the Tudor dynasty.

Question 30

How did Mary I's reign influence the religious landscape of England in the long term?

Accepted Answer

It led to a backlash against Catholicism and strengthened the Protestant movement.

Answer

It resulted in greater religious tolerance and diversity.

Answer

It permanently solidified Catholic dominance in England.

Question 31

What was the significance of the Act of Supremacy during Mary I's reign?

Accepted Answer

It formally declared the Pope as the supreme head of the Church of England.

Answer

It granted religious freedom to Protestants.

Answer

It established the Church of England as a separate entity from the Roman Catholic Church.

Question 32

Which of the following was a key factor in Mary I's accession to the throne?

Accepted Answer

The death of Edward VI and the challenges faced by Lady Jane Grey's claim.

Answer

The widespread popular support for Mary I's claim to the throne.

Answer

The support of the powerful Duke of Northumberland for Mary I's claim.

Question 33

Mary I's reign was marked by a significant shift in religious policy. What was this shift?

Accepted Answer

The restoration of Catholicism and the suppression of Protestantism.

Answer

The establishment of a new, reformed version of Christianity in England.

Answer

The maintenance of the religious policies established during Edward VI's reign.

Question 34

What was the significance of Mary I's marriage to Philip of Spain?

Accepted Answer

It strengthened the alliance between England and Spain, but also fueled Protestant anxieties about Spanish influence.

Answer

It led to widespread popular support for Mary I's reign.

Question 35

How did Mary I's religious policies impact the lives of ordinary people?

Accepted Answer

Many Protestants faced persecution, including imprisonment and execution, while Catholics saw a return to their faith.

Answer

Most people welcomed the return of Catholicism and embraced the new religious policies.

Question 36

What was the 'Marian Persecutions'?

Accepted Answer

The period of persecution of Protestants under Mary I's reign, leading to the execution of hundreds of people.

Answer

The persecution of Catholics by Protestants during the reign of Edward VI.

Question 37

Why was Mary I's reign known as the 'Bloody Mary' period?

Accepted Answer

Due to the executions of hundreds of Protestants during the Marian Persecutions.

Answer

Because she was a devout Catholic who sought to restore traditional religious practices.

Answer

Because Mary I was a harsh and ruthless ruler.

Question 38

Which of the following was NOT a consequence of Mary I's religious policies?

Accepted Answer

The establishment of a strong and unified Protestant Church in England.

Answer

Increased religious tensions and persecution.

Answer

The weakening of England's international alliances with Protestant countries.

Question 39

Which of the following statements best describes the legacy of Mary I's reign?

Accepted Answer

A period of intense religious conflict that ultimately paved the way for the Elizabethan Settlement.

Answer

A successful restoration of Catholicism that solidified England's position as a Catholic power.

Answer

A period of peace and stability that laid the foundations for a strong English monarchy.

Question 40

How did Mary I's experiences as a young woman influence her actions as queen?

Accepted Answer

Her experiences of being excluded from the throne due to her gender and her father's rejection of Catholicism shaped her desire to restore Catholicism and assert her authority.

Answer

Her experiences as a princess taught her the importance of diplomacy and compromise.

Question 41

What is a primary source that could provide insight into Mary I's accession to the throne?

Accepted Answer

A letter written by a contemporary observer describing the events surrounding Mary I's arrival in London.

Answer

A textbook written about the Tudor Dynasty in the 20th century.