Queen: Elizatbeth I; Protestant (tolerant of others) (nov 17, 1558 – nov 17, 1603)

Description:

- 45 year reign
- nicknames: "Good Queen Bess", "The Virgin Queen", & "The great lioness"
- highly educated (spoke 9 languages)
- protestant
- refuses to marry (she would lose some power if she married)
- skillful politician: controls parliament
- kept European suitors at bay (including Phillip II)
- settles religious disputes (encourages Protestantism but does not force; makes Church services English instead of Latin)
- Act of Supremacy: nobles swear to her above God

Renaissance = Elizabethan Age

Obstacles

1. opposition from Catholic monarchs who wished to destroy her

2. Mary, Queen of Scots; Elizabeth's cousin is considered the legitimate Catholic heir (Elizabeth is protestant)
- 1542-1567
- only child of James V (married to French Dauphin & died before becoming king)
- stays Catholic during Scottish reformation (seen as rightful monarch by England's Catholics
- is removed from power after the birth of her son, James, who was brought up Protestant
- seeks protection in England in 1567 and is executed in 1587

3. Phillip II of Spain backed by the Pope invades England 1588 (Spanish Armada)- defeated by England, Elizabeth 1 which proved her power

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