In 1559, Elizabeth passed two important pieces of legislation: the Act of Supremacy and the Act of Uniformity. The Act of Supremacy re-established the monarch’s position as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, a title that had been first established by her father Henry VIII. The Act of Uniformity sought to standardize worship across the kingdom, establishing the Book of Common Prayer as the official liturgy. These measures aimed to provide a middle ground between Catholicism and Protestantism, though tensions between Catholics and Protestants would remain throughout Elizabeth’s reign.
The religious settlement also had a profound impact on the political landscape of Europe. Elizabeth’s commitment to Protestantism aligned her with other Protestant nations, notably the Netherlands and the rising power of Protestantism in France. However, it also put her at odds with Catholic powers, including Spain and the Papacy.
Challenges and Threats to Elizabeth’s Reign
Despite her strong position at the outset of her reign, Elizabeth faced numerous internal and external threats. One of the most significant challenges was the ongoing conflict with Catholic Spain. Spain, under King Philip II, sought to restore Catholicism in England and had plans to marry Elizabeth to strengthen ties between the two nations. However, Elizabeth remained resolutely unmarried, earning her the title "Virgin Queen," which symbolized both her independence and the political nature of her virginity.
The most direct manifestation of Spain’s hostility came in 1588, when Philip II launched the Spanish Armada. The Armada was a large fleet of ships sent to invade England and overthrow Elizabeth. However, thanks to a combination of strategic leadership, superior English ships, and harsh weather conditions, the Spanish fleet was decisively defeated, marking a turning point in European naval warfare and securing Elizabeth’s position as a powerful and respected ruler.
Internally, Elizabeth faced challenges from Catholic conspirators who sought to depose her and place the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, on the English throne. Mary, a cousin of Elizabeth, was a symbol of Catholic resistance to Protestant England, and her presence in England after her abdication in Scotland in 1567 became a focal point for plots against Elizabeth. In 1586, the Babington Plot, a Catholic conspiracy to assassinate Elizabeth, was uncovered, leading to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1587. This event, while eliminating a major threat to Elizabeth’s rule, also galvanized Catholic sentiment against England, particularly in Spain and France. shutdown123