Elizabeth’s Background and Character

• Elizabeth’s Background and Character

  Elizabeth I became queen in 1558. She reigned for almost 45 years, until her death in 1603.
• Queen Elizabeth I was from the House of Tudor


  The Tudor family had ruled England since Henry VII became king in 1485.
• Elizabeth I was cautious, intelligent and powerful


  1. Elizabeth was Henry VIII’s second child, the daughter of his second wife, Anne Boleyn. As a child, she was third in line to the throne, so no-one really expected her to become queen.

  2. Elizabeth was very cautious and only trusted a few close advisors. She could also be indecisive- she was reluctant to make decisions without carefully considering their possible consequences.

  3. She was intelligent, confident and very well educated. Despite having had little training in how to govern, she became a powerful and effective leader.
• What was the general belief about the gender of a monarch during Elizabeth's time?

  Most people believed the monarch should be a man.
• Why did people think rule by a woman was unnatural?

  They thought it was unnatural for a woman to hold power.
• What did people expect Elizabeth to be in her role as monarch?

  They expected her to be a figurehead without real power.
• What did people think Elizabeth should do regarding her male counsellors?

  They thought she should let her male counsellors take control.
• What was Elizabeth's stance on ruling as a monarch?

  Elizabeth was determined to rule in her own right.
• What happened to Elizabeth's legitimacy after Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn was dissolved?

  Henry declared Elizabeth illegitimate after the marriage was dissolved.
• What event led to Elizabeth being declared illegitimate?

  The dissolution of Henry VIII's marriage to Anne Boleyn.
• Did Henry VIII ever change his mind about Elizabeth's legitimacy?

  Yes, Henry later changed his mind about her legitimacy.
• What was the perspective of some Protestants regarding Elizabeth's legitimacy?

  Some Protestants still questioned Elizabeth's legitimacy.
• What were the main reasons some people opposed Elizabeth's rule?

  • Gender bias: Belief that a monarch should be male.
  • Expectation for Elizabeth to be a figurehead.
  • Concerns about her legitimacy due to Henry VIII's actions.