Elizabeth I Character and Aims
Succession –
Elizabeth was considerably better educated than Mary, with a
much better grasp on politics. She had also developed political
experience from her relationship with Thomas Seymour, and
her involvement in Wyatt’s rebellion.
She had an interest in decision making and in preserving her
prerogative rights. Her short-term aims were to consolidate her
position, to settle the religious issue, and to pursue a peace
settlement with France.
Consolidation of France –
Mary’s councillors made no attempt to defer Elizabeth’s
succession, with Phillip of Spain legitimising her succession.
There was no attempt to deny the succession by Catholic
ministers either.
However, she came to the throne at a bad time for England.
Poor harvests had made food scarce and expensive, England
remained religiously divided, and the recent loss of Calais was
humiliating.
She appointed William Cecil as principle secretary but kept
other positions vague. She organised pageants outside London,
and quickly progressed to her coronation.
Succession –
Elizabeth was considerably better educated than Mary, with a
much better grasp on politics. She had also developed political
experience from her relationship with Thomas Seymour, and
her involvement in Wyatt’s rebellion.
She had an interest in decision making and in preserving her
prerogative rights. Her short-term aims were to consolidate her
position, to settle the religious issue, and to pursue a peace
settlement with France.
Consolidation of France –
Mary’s councillors made no attempt to defer Elizabeth’s
succession, with Phillip of Spain legitimising her succession.
There was no attempt to deny the succession by Catholic
ministers either.
However, she came to the throne at a bad time for England.
Poor harvests had made food scarce and expensive, England
remained religiously divided, and the recent loss of Calais was
humiliating.
She appointed William Cecil as principle secretary but kept
other positions vague. She organised pageants outside London,
and quickly progressed to her coronation.
