Queen Elizabeth the Great

Essay # 28831

History > Leaders
History > Religion

Focuses on the pertinent events leading up to Queen Elizabeth I's ascension to the throne in 1558.

2,546 words () | 6 sources | MLA | 2003 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses Queen Elizabeth I and her rise to power. The paper focuses mostly on events leading up the queen's ascension to the throne rather than her actual reign (which took place between 1558 and 1603), including King Henry VIII's attempts to create a male heir to his throne and his daughter Mary's brief reign. The political and religious aspects of that time period are also discussed.

From the Paper:

"I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king." This statement, by Queen Elizabeth I of England, was a telling display of her strength, as well as her fascinating and charismatic personality. Elizabeth Tudor, a powerful image of female authority, ruled over England from 1558 until her death, in 1603. Elizabeth proved to be a strong and successful leader during her reign, and the story behind her acquisition of the throne is a unique one. Life prior to Elizabeth's reign was comprised of many historic events that led to her accession, including political issues, murderous plots, and an extraordinarily atypical childhood. Elizabeth ascended to the throne at a time when England was torn between Catholics and Protestants, when the country was tormented by the French and the Spanish, and unruly leaders from around the realm sought to usurp her crown for themselves. Nevertheless, Elizabeth's reign resulted in a country that was prosperous, affluent, and rich in literature and art."