Religion Essay Aims To understand the demands of a part a question To develop explanations

Level 1 (0-2 marks) Level 2 (3-6 marks) Level 3 (7-9 marks) Level 4 (10-12 marks) Some descriptive material loosely linked to the focus of the question Comments with little, if any, appropriate support Generalised answers Written communication is weak Answers demonstrate some knowledge and understanding of the demands of the question Almost entirely descriptive, with few explicit links to the question Some explanation backed by evidence that is limited in range or depth Answers are coherent, but weakly expressed or poorly structured Answers show good understanding of the demands of the question Relevant explanations backed by appropriately selected evidence. May not be full or comprehensive Answers are mostly clearly expressed and show some organisation of information Answers are well- focussed on the question Identify a wide range of specific explanations, backed by precise evidence Demonstrate good understandings of the connections and links between events or issues Answers are mostly well-written and organised

Although the Catholics made up only 7% of the English population, the threat that seemed to come from this section of society was a significant issue for James. The Protestant majority had held deep suspicions of Catholics since the reign of Elizabeth as a result of suspected Catholic plots against the crown. One example is the attempted invasion of the Spanish Armada and the resulting hysteria of a Spanish, Catholic takeover, aided by English Catholics. This fear of Catholics continued into James’ reign and was heightened because of attempted Catholic plots to depose James. The Bye Plot of 1603 failed to overthrow James. The Catholic conspirators were said to be unhappy at James’ decision to continue to levy recusancy fines on Catholics who did not attend Anglican church services. The 1605 Gunpowder Plot attempted to blow-up James upon his entry to parliament. These threats to the security of King and country resulted in the introduction of harsh measures against Catholics, for example forbidding them to live in or near London and the 1606 Oath of Allegiance. Consequently, James’ attentions were greatly occupied by this perceived Catholic threat. In addition, religious divisions within society widened, which would lead to further tensions and conflict. This issue of the Catholic minority was important for James between 1603 and 1606 because it demonstrated how religious divisions within England were intensifying and would require great skill to resolve.