Queen Elizabeth I, born in 1533 and passing away in 1603, addressed her soldiers, saying, "Fear not, we have the temperament of a lion; mice cannot harm us."
How Queen Elizabeth I Ascended to the Throne
Queen Elizabeth, England's virgin queen, not only secured the nation's interests but also thwarted external adversaries, ushering in the brightest era in England's history. When her father, King Henry VIII, executed her mother Anne Boleyn to cleanse his honor, Elizabeth was merely two years old. Despite attempts to have her killed at birth due to her unusually pale complexion, her mother, Boleyn, intervened to save her. However, Elizabeth's hardships persisted even after her birth, as she was cast out of the palace, being unfairly associated with her mother's sins.
As the years passed, Elizabeth grew, but her struggles endured. After Henry VIII's only male heir, Edward, ascended the throne and passed away prematurely at the age of 16 without an heir, her step-sister, Bloody Mary, took the throne in 1553, aiming to restore the Catholic Church's influence in England. This was because her father, Henry VIII, had severed ties with the Pope. Known as Bloody Mary, she imprisoned Elizabeth, her Protestant step-sister, in the infamous Tower of London, subjecting her to cruelty.
The tables turned, and on November 17, 1558, at the age of 25, Elizabeth ascended the throne after Mary's death. Upon becoming Queen Elizabeth I, she promptly converted England to Protestantism.
The Reign of Queen Elizabeth I
During Elizabeth's reign, England's trade prospered. With colonies around the world, England became one of the leading hubs of attraction. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth I was the first to permit the slave trade. While the British Empire flourished in trade, eminent figures in English literature such as Shakespeare and Spencer were creating wonders. The country was experiencing its own Renaissance. However, Catholics were not idle; throughout her reign, they made numerous attempts to undermine Elizabeth's rule.
They presented her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, as a contender for the throne, but to save England and herself, Elizabeth imprisoned her cousin for 20 years and ultimately, with a heavy heart, had her executed. Mary's failed assassination plot against Queen Elizabeth played a crucial role in the decision to execute her. Her execution troubled King Philip II of Spain, and the formidable Spanish Armada reached England's shores. In response, Queen Elizabeth personally took the field, preventing the dispersal of her army and ultimately defeating the Spanish Armada. Against her advisors' persistent urging, she remained unmarried and lived a celibate life until her death. Her era is known as the Golden Age of English history, and Protestantism became unstoppable after Elizabeth's reign.
Elizabeth's Achievements
First and foremost, Queen Elizabeth I managed to survive. Her mother was executed, her father declared her illegitimate, her Catholic step-sister imprisoned her for being a Protestant, and yet she somehow stood her ground and ascended to lead the country. While all other major European powers were Catholic, Elizabeth ruled as a Protestant for 45 years, freeing the country from rebels and invaders. Thanks to her, England experienced its golden age and triumphed over Spain. It is said that Elizabeth played a role in establishing the first colony in North America and initiated the colonization of India.
After having the men who conspired against her executed, Elizabeth had their remains displayed at city entrances as a deterrent.
Her father, Henry VIII, executed her mother, Anne Boleyn, on charges of incest with her brother George Boleyn. She herself was accused of a relationship with her stepfather Thomas Seymour, and he was executed. Elizabeth vehemently denied any such relationship, swearing on the Bible. One of Elizabeth's suitors allegedly murdered his wife to be able to marry her. The coronation ceremony of Queen Elizabeth I cost an estimated 3.5 million pounds in today's currency.
Queen Elizabeth I and Ottoman Relations
During her reign, Queen Elizabeth I maintained good relations with the Ottoman Empire, particularly during the rule of Sultan Murad III. Mutual exchanges of gifts took place in both courts, and a strong friendship developed between Sultan Murad's wife, Safiye Sultan, and Elizabeth. The Ottoman Empire provided significant support to Elizabeth's rule, with Ottoman ships in the Mediterranean diverting some of the Spanish ships, contributing to England's victory. The first English ambassador, Harborne, arrived in Istanbul in 1583 during this period.
The Passing of Queen Elizabeth I
Queen Elizabeth I passed away on March 24, 1603, at Richmond Palace. Despite a tumultuous and challenging life and rule, she reigned for 45 years and became one of the most significant leaders in English history.
After Elizabeth I, James I ascended to the throne on March 24, 1603. Since Elizabeth died without children, James, the son of Mary, the Scottish queen whom Elizabeth had executed, took the throne in place of the queen who had ordered his mother's execution.
Post a Comment