'More an expression of political expediency rather than religious feeling' Evaluate this view of the Elizabethan Settlement 1559-63.

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History Essay

‘More an expression of political expediency rather than religious feeling’ Evaluate this view of the Elizabethan Settlement 1559-63.

        From the beginning of her reign Elizabeth had to make her mark as the new ruler of England. If it was not foreign invasion or an internal plot she feared, then it was being a single woman in a mans world, and amidst all this Elizabeth sought acceptance from her people. It appears she may have tried to do this through her settlement of 1559; after all it was the queen herself who referred to religion as ‘the foundation on which all other matters ought to take root...’ Elizabeth did however rule on from her Catholic sister Mary who was a devout Catholic that burned heretic protestants at the stake, and upon Elizabeth’s arrival to the throne people saw her as nothing like her sister, and some even perceived her as the protestant saviour of England. Elizabeth took in everything from her surroundings, and combined with her own views, constructed the Settlement of 1559. This settlement would ultimately define her future on the throne, from enemies to allies, both on English soil and abroad.

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        Elizabeth knew from previous monarchs and seeing her sister Mary on the throne, that religion never really pleased anyone, after all it was Mary who’s hard line Catholic views caused many Protestants to flee England during her reign. As a result Elizabeth wanted to create something that would be accepted by almost everyone, and would take on board everyone’s belief respectively. The past four monarchs to have sat on the English throne all expressed different religious views and beliefs, and it seems Elizabeth sought stability from all the constant change, a ‘via media’. I believe the Settlement was necessary and ...

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