Write an account of the ways in which Elizabeth’s reign could be seen as a ‘Golden Age’.
(8 marks)
The Elizabethan era is often referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ because it was a time of great
achievement. This is because during Elizabeth’s reign there were many break throughs and
discoveries which made profound effects on society and generating an increased amount of
wealth for the country. A notable feature of the Golden Age is the theatre. Theatres were
popular among all members of society and were a form of cheap entertainment. During the
Elizabethan era, the first permanent theatres were built and many great plays that are still
performed today were written. Additionally, another significant feature of the Golden Age
was the scientific breakthrough and discovery. There were breakthroughs in navigation,
astronomy and an increased understanding of magnetism. These breakthroughs allowed
privateers and explorers to access new countries which lead to a whole variety of new
discoveries such as East Europe. Significantly, improved printing presses allowed new ideas
and forms of propaganda to spread quickly and easily. Furthermore, the new buildings built
during the Elizabethan period reflected and reinforced that this was a ‘Golden Age’. Many
stately homes such as Hardwick Hall, were built. Houses were now being built without any
defence mechanisms and the wealthier members of society would show off their wealth by
having large numbers of glass windows as at the time glass was a very expensive resource.
On the whole, the Elizabethan era saw a rise to vast advancements, improvements and
discoveries which is perhaps why the period is referred to as ‘the golden age’ as there were
numerous breakthroughs leading to the growth of England as a world power and increased
prosperity.
(8 marks)
The Elizabethan era is often referred to as the ‘Golden Age’ because it was a time of great
achievement. This is because during Elizabeth’s reign there were many break throughs and
discoveries which made profound effects on society and generating an increased amount of
wealth for the country. A notable feature of the Golden Age is the theatre. Theatres were
popular among all members of society and were a form of cheap entertainment. During the
Elizabethan era, the first permanent theatres were built and many great plays that are still
performed today were written. Additionally, another significant feature of the Golden Age
was the scientific breakthrough and discovery. There were breakthroughs in navigation,
astronomy and an increased understanding of magnetism. These breakthroughs allowed
privateers and explorers to access new countries which lead to a whole variety of new
discoveries such as East Europe. Significantly, improved printing presses allowed new ideas
and forms of propaganda to spread quickly and easily. Furthermore, the new buildings built
during the Elizabethan period reflected and reinforced that this was a ‘Golden Age’. Many
stately homes such as Hardwick Hall, were built. Houses were now being built without any
defence mechanisms and the wealthier members of society would show off their wealth by
having large numbers of glass windows as at the time glass was a very expensive resource.
On the whole, the Elizabethan era saw a rise to vast advancements, improvements and
discoveries which is perhaps why the period is referred to as ‘the golden age’ as there were
numerous breakthroughs leading to the growth of England as a world power and increased
prosperity.
