Elizabeth The Golden Age

Often referred to by historians as the golden age of English history, the Elizabethan era brought forth a climax for the blossoming of the arts that came with the English renaissance. The era began in 1558 with the controversial ascension of Elizabeth I to the English throne, and would continue throughout her lengthy reign until her death in 1603. The period would be defined by the rise of iconic artists such as William Shakespeare and Christopher Marlowe, whose plays would be enjoyed as part of a new national pastime. This golden age was also an era of peace and prosperity for the country, which is impressive, as the country was virtually bankrupt when Elizabeth took the throne due to previous conflicts. This prosperity would be threatened

The plans was backed by Pope Sixtus V, who thought of the plot as a crusade, and would pay the Spanish crown generously for their triumph. Unfortunately for Spain, however, Elizabeth, although not having any great military triumphs, had made naval strength her utmost importance. She openly supported her “Sea-Dogs,” a group of privateers who often raided Spanish ships, and would support new naval tactics that would transform naval warfare as had been known. The modernization of the English navy under Elizabeth, as well as difficulties and over-complexities within the Spanish Armada itself would make way for the English defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and mark a highpoint in Elizabeth’s

In fact, it is said that they resented each other. Mary I took the throne in 1553, and almost immediately began persecuting Protestants in an attempt to undo the split between the Church of England and Rome. This put Elizabeth in danger, as she was a Protestant herself. After evading converting to Catholicism, Elizabeth was eventually arrested in 1554, after having been accused of being aware of the Wyatt Rebellion. With no proof to validate executing her, Mary had her imprisoned in the Tower of London, where she would stay for 8 weeks until she was sentenced to house arrest. She was called to witness the final stages of Mary’s second pregnancy which, like the first, was a false one. Mary would eventually fall terminally ill and begrudgingly acknowledged Elizabeth as her successor. Mary’s husband, Philip I, would become King of Spain in 1556, and attempted to ally himself with Elizabeth. This was due to the alternative successor being Mary Queen of Scots, who was married to the King of France, one of Spain’s enemies at the