Elizabeth I Britain’s Triumphant Queen Essay examples

The exceptional reign of Queen Elizabeth I stands out in British history. Her reign is one of the longest in British history. Under her rule Britain began to gain strength because her policies laid the groundwork for the future rulers to build upon. The previous rulers of England, such as Queen Mary I, created turmoil through their policies which their personal beliefs influenced greatly. Elizabeth I’s reign remained relatively stable and she implemented new political policies that helped to strengthen Britain. Elizabeth I’s rule marked a turning point in British history when Britain began its ascension to becoming a present day world power. Improvements in politics, the economy, the military, and foreign affairs along with progress†¦show more content†¦Often they would try to impress her through expensive gifts or political favors. Christopher Haigh, author of Elizabeth I Profile in Power, claims that, â€Å"†¦by 1563 the Queen’s marriage had beco me her chosen weapon in diplomatic intrigue, rather than her chosen solution to the succession problem† (15). Despite pressure to produce an heir she did not waver, believing that the best outcome for Britain involved her unmarried and ruling alone. Elizabeth I witnessed the results of unfavorable marriages through her father and half sister and became aware of the danger that a spouse posed to the throne. By not marrying, Elizabeth I avoided the possibility of a husband usurping her power and ruling in her place. She also refused to name an heir until she approached her death to prevent any attempt of revolt, should people prefer the heir to her. A large number of government officials proved either unnecessary or disloyal. Too many officials created extra expenses among other negative effects. She dismissed almost two-thirds of the Privy Council and replaced them with people who she could trust (Haigh 11-19). These actions helped to create a more stable and efficient governme nt, which is able to better serve the needs of the nation and its people. Without a well-run government a nation cannot function properly let alone become a world power. Elizabeth I create a relatively stable government that aided in Britain’s progress towardsShow MoreRelatedWinston Churchill: Britains Guardian Angel759 Words   |  3 PagesWinston Churchill: Britain’s Guardian Angel The date was August, 1940. London was a mess of smoking ruins and rubble. Somber visages marked the faces of passersby, all except for a plump, elderly man. His jowl quivered as he smiled and greeted everyone he saw; he dried the tears of a frightened child. This man was Winston Churchill, Prime Minister of Britain during World War II. Heroes are often viewed as young, fit men who fight with physical strength, yet Winston Churchill led Britain to victoryRead MoreThe Spanish Armad A Shift Of Power Creating Spain s Demise And England s Uprise2299 Words   |  10 Pagesis through Elizabeth I marriage rejection towards Phillip II, an insufficient leader within the Spanish Fleet during the Spanish Armada, the well known impact of the â€Å"English Wind†, and the overall aftermath of the Spanish Armada, that a shift of power for two nations occurred and thus created Spain’s demise and England’s uprise. To begin, one of the significant initial factors that contributed to the power shift in distinction from Spain to England is the Queen of England, Elizabeth I, marriageRead MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesreferences. ISBN 978-1-4399-0269-1 (cloth : alk. paper)—ISBN 978-1-4399-0270-7 (paper : alk. paper)—ISBN 978-1-4399-0271-4 (electronic) 1. History, Modern—20th century. 2. Twentieth century. 3. Social history—20th century. 4. World politics—20th century. I. Adas, Michael, 1943– II. American Historical Association. D421.E77 2010 909.82—dc22 2009052961 The paper used in this publication meets the requirements of the American National Standard for Information Sciences—Permanence of Paper for Printed