Problems Elizabeth faced

Annotations:

• Religion Religion was the most significant problem for Elizabeth as the religion of the country contributes with foreign countries as well as leading a successful reign by pleasing her subjects.
• Foreign countries Links with Mary, queen of scots, contributes to vital problems for Elizabeth as she is her heir as well as being Catholic
• Legitimacy To secure the people's faith in her reign, Elizabeth need to prove her birth right or there would be revolts.
• Gender As a female, people believed Elizabeth should not rule alone. The idea of marriage and a man by her side plays a vital role for ruling England as previous women reigns were not successful.
• Finance With bad harvests and rises in poverty, Elizabeth could face uprisings for not supplying her country with the needs to survive.
• Succession Without an heir, the throne would go to Mary, queen of scots, this would cause the problem of religion which Elizabeth fixes. Also, no succession means the end of the Tudor era.

1. Religion
   1. Whether England should be Catholic or Protestant
   2. Whether it would spark wars with foreign countries(such as France and Spain)
   3. The people of her country were divided on religion. Elizabeth had to satisfy both oppositions to gain the popularity which previous reign did not
   4. Previous monarchs were very divided over religion and made drastic changes to religion.
2. Legitimacy
   1. Her father, Henry VIII, made himself head of church. This meant he could divorce his wife and marry Elizabeth's mother.
      1. The pope didn't not divorce them
   2. Catholics believe that Elizabeth was illegitimate and should not be queen.
      1. She had to gain the people's favor in order for a successful reign.
3. Foreign countries
   1. France and Spain were Catholic countries. They both were a threat if England was made Protestant.
   2. England was at war with France( Mary's husband was Spanish)
      1. France and Scotland were allies as Mary, queen of scots, married a French dauphin.
      2. The joint invasion was a threat. If Elizabeth won the war, it would make her stronger. However, if she lost, she might loose her throne; but making peace would make her seem as weak.
4. Gender and marriage
   1. People thought that women should not rule alone.
   2. The decision to marry was important.
      1. Catholic or Protestant
      2. Jealousy would be caused with who Elizabeth marries
   3. Succession was key for an heir to the throne