2. Elizabeth I and the Politics of the Elizabethan Era

- Elizabeth I: who was she?

Elizabeth I was born in 1533 and was the second child of Henry VIII and was heir presumptive to the throne of England at birth. However, her mother was executed two and a half years after her birth and she was declared illegitimate, and could not receive the title of princess. When Henry VIII died in 1547, Edward VI, her half-brother, succeeded the throne. Subsequently, Lady Jane Grey and Mary I held the throne till 1558 when Elizabeth became the queen at the age of 25. She reigned for 44 years and 4 months and never married nor had children.

Queen Elizabeth I was well educated and could speak five languages fluently. She enjoyed all kinds of sports and the Arts, including dancing and music. Moreover, she was a frequent patron of plays. Under her reign, England grew from an impoverished country to a powerful and prosperous one.

- What were England’s international relations like during Elizabeth’s reign?

In the early years, England was military engaged with Scotland and France. Relationships grew friendly with Scotland after the overthrow of Mary, Queen of Scots, and a military treaty was signed. Relationships soon worsened with Spain and Elizabeth sent an army to Netherlands in 1585 to put it under her protection. In 1588, Philip II of Spain responded by sending the Spanish Armada of over 100 ships to go to war with England. However, the English defeated them. Further Armadas sent in 1596 and 1597 proved unsuccessful.

The population of Ireland often rebelled against the authority of the queen. There were many rebellions in the 1570s to 1590s. In the Nine Years War from 1594-1603, the Irish defeated the English in 1598, but were defeated in 1603, after Elizabeth’s death. A peace was then signed between the two nations.

There were friendly diplomatic and trade relations between England and the Barbary States, the Ottoman Empire and Japan during her reign.

- What was Shakespeare’s relationship with Elizabeth I?

Elizabeth I was a frequent patron of plays. Although the plays of Shakespeare’s were published during the Elizabethan era, there was never any evidence that the Queen ever visited The Globe Theatre, associated with William Shakespeare where his plays were commonly performed. Queen Elizabeth did watch some of Shakespeare’s plays which were famous throughout England.

- Compare Elizabeth I to Portia. How is Portia’s character a tribute to Elizabeth I?

Portia is seen as a witty, rich, powerful, beautiful, romantic, strong-willed, independent and strong-headed individual, much similar to Elizabeth I’s character.
Portia is heiress to Belmont, similar to Elizabeth I who was heiress to the England throne. Elizabeth I controlled the English empire and allowed it to prosper and lead many victorious battles, demonstrating her resourcefulness and independence as a queen.

References:
Eakins, L. E. (23 April 2011). Elizabeth I Queen of England. http://tudorhistory.org/elizabeth/ (26/6/2011)
Thomas, H. (15 June 2011). Queen Elizabeth I. http://www.elizabethi.org/ (26/6/2011)
Jokinen, A. (3 June 1996). Queen Elizabeth I (1533–1603). http://www.luminarium.org/renlit/eliza.htm (26/6/2011)