Issues that Elizabeth I had to deal with - Info pack

Upon ascending to the throne, Queen Elizabeth I faced numerous challenges that tested her leadership and shaped her reign. One of the most pressing issues was the potential for a religious war in England, mirroring the brutal conflicts between Protestants and Catholics in Europe. Elizabeth initially sought a "middle way," supporting Protestantism while allowing some Catholic practices to appease both sides. However, this approach faltered, particularly after the Pope excommunicated her in 1570 and the arrival of Mary Queen of Scots in 1568 sparked Catholic plots. Elizabeth's policy gradually hardened against Catholicism, leading to the execution of 162 Catholics from 1577 to 1603. Although her reign avoided outright religious wars, her religious policies left some subjects dissatisfied.

Another significant challenge was the widespread poverty exacerbated by harvest failures and inflation. In response, Elizabeth introduced the progressive 1601 Poor Law to overhaul the patchwork of existing relief efforts. Despite this legislative action, the law fell short of eradicating poverty and starvation. Succession was also a dilemma for Elizabeth, as it was uncertain who would follow her due to her choice to remain unmarried and childless. This decision allowed her to avoid foreign influence and maintain her authority but complicated the issue of succession. Additionally, Elizabeth inherited a weakened monarchy from her predecessors, Edward VI and Mary I. Through careful image management, shrewd advisors, and parliamentary control, she re-established the monarchy's strength and stability, although her grip on power waned towards the end of her tenure. Elizabeth's era is remembered for stability and the dawn of exploration and discovery, despite the challenges she faced.