Baseline of Elizabeth’s I reign 1558-88

In 1558, Elizabeth I became Queen after the death of her half-sister Mary I. Elizabeth was a Protestant and she had to agree on what religion she wanted the country to be either Catholic or Protestant. This was not a success, as it would cause discontent between the Catholics and Protestants. Not only that Elizabeth became queen but also she had no one to marry. Many Kings and Princes asked for Elizabeth's hand in marriage including King Philip II of Spain who was previously married to Mary I. A year later, 1559, Elizabeth had already established a Protestant Church, in which she hoped it was acceptable for Catholics and Puritans. This was quite successful but it would have raised tensions between many Christian dominations. Sadly, in 1562, Elizabeth was diagnosed with smallpox. The parliament repeated asked her to marry and to name her successor but she further delayed the question. In 1568, the Spanish attacked John Hawkins ship. In retaliation, English seized a Spanish bullion ship in the English Channel. This was a success because Elizabeth protected her citizens and she did what was best for her country. During 1568, Mary Queen of Scots fled down to England after the unsuccessful rebellion against the Scottish nobles but Elizabeth imprisoned her. In 1570, the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth expelling her from the Catholic Church. Sadly, this was not successful as Elizabeth wanted both religions to unite and now a religion division was made. After Elizabeth was banned from the Catholic Church, she sent secret aid to the Netherlands who was rebelling against the Spanish. This created threats after the mini-defeat in 1568 with John Hawkins ship. Also, the Vagabonds ordered a local justice of Peace to keep a register of the poor etc. This allowed people to enjoy life to the fullest.

Later, in 1573, a disastrous harvest was followed by bad ones for the next four consecutive years. This was not successful because it was a year later after the Vagabond Act was released. But a year later, an Act of the Relief was released to help provide shelter or work for the poor.    In 1577, Francis Drake attacked the Spanish settlements and ships. He returned 3 years later after completing a voyage. This yet again, it put more strain on the friendship with Spain.    In 1580, Jesuit missionary priests, trained in Europe, began landing in England to spread the Catholic religion. Three years later, the Throckmorton Plot failed. It planned for French Catholic forces, backed by the Spanish and Papal money, to invade England in order to free Mary, Queen of Scots, and start a Catholic uprising which would have been seen as a threat towards Elizabeth.    After the uprising, Walter Raleigh set up a colony of settlers in North America and yet again Elizabeth sent an army to the Netherlands against Spain which created more threats as Spain did not attack and Elizabeth basically is sending a message saying 'we are ready for war'.  In 1587, Queen of Scots was executed and Francis Drake attacked the port of Caliz. A year later, Philip II launched an Armada which was defeated.  Finally Elizabeth now 50 years old and was not married with no successor to take over the throne. To conclude, Elizabeth had many failures and success and most time she made unnecessary decisions like sending an army to the Netherlands for help.