Elizabeth I

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The long, lasting conflict between Queen Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots was the fight over the throne. Elizabeth and Mary we second cousins and Mary thought she deserve the crown. The conflict between Elizabeth and Mary ended up leading to Mary’s death. Elizabeth I, “queen of England and Ireland, was the most famous of English Monarchs and one of the most successful women rulers in history.” (Row, 243). “She was not only concerned with politics, diplomacy, and the religious struggle against the Counter-Reformation, but was also interested in voyages, finances, literature, and the arts.” (Row 243). On September 7, 1533, Queen Elizabeth was born at Greenwich Palace. She was born to Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth was very fluent in many different languages and was a classical scholar. “She was of the red-headed stock of the Tudors and looked like a Welshwoman, with sharp oval face, high cheekbones, narrow forehead, and hooked nose.” (Row 244). She favored her grandfather Henry VII; they were wary and cautious; farseeing; and gentle. She also had a half-brother named Edward VI (1547-1553). Williams 2 “She was in graver danger during the reign (1553-1558) of Mary I, her half-sister. Thomas Wyatt’s rebellion almost overthrew Mary’s Catholic regime, and Protestants looked to Elizabeth to replace the unpopular Queen. Elizabeth was sent to the Tower, and Mary would have had her executed if it had been politically possible.” (Row 244). “This experience determined Elizabeth, when she became Queen, never to recognize an heir, a “second person” around whom opposition could rally.” (Row 244). People began to lean more towards Elizabeth than Mary because Mary failed to impose ultramontane Catholicism. The conflict arose w... ... middle of paper ... ...ion they did not think she deserved to die. “The Queen of Scots had worn a wig.” (Guy 9). On the day of her execution, she wore a white wig and wore a black dress and a black veil over her face. One of the last things she said was a prayer to God and then she was beheaded. It did not end that easily though. Rumor has it that, when Mary was executed the executioner missed the right spot on her neck and had to hit her multiple times. She ended up bleeding to death from the first hit. That is how she earned her name Bloody Mary. “As the executioner lifted up the head, Mary’s Auburn curls and white cap became detached from her skull.” (Guy 9). The relationship between Elizabeth and Mary was extremely complicated. They may have been related but that did not stop them from their political duties and their kingdoms. They knew what was to come first and final.

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