Queen Elizabeth’s Treatment of Catholics Essay -- British History

Queen Elizabeths Treatment of CatholicsThe rehabilitation of England had been a ache drawn out affair dating dressing to King Henry VIIIs Act of Supremacy in 1534. By the accession of Elizabeth in 1558, homoy historians believe that she inherited a country, which was still predominantly Catholic in belief. Although people of South eastern England were likely to be influenced by the peoples of Europe, who were experiencing reforms, Doran (1994) suggests that the number of Protestants accounted for just 14 per centime of the population of Sussex and less than 10 per cent in Kent. Whether rural lifestyles were mostly unaffected by changing religious doctrine due to a primitive communications network or general disinterest, as long as the laity were allowed to continue living as they had previously, is open for debate. save the attitudes of city dwellers in London, Englands premier city and official sign of the zodiac of the monarchy were quite different.The brief rule of Queen Mary, Elizabeths predecessor and Catholic half sister had brought about the restoration of Catholic practices and in like manner a regime of Protestant persecution. Public executions of branded heretics proved to have an indecorous reaction as it created strong anti-Catholic sentiment and rather than to extirpate the Protestant faith, those who converted to Protestantism, if they were not exiled went to a lower placeground.Described by Briscoe (2000), Elizabeth I is considered to be unrivalled of the countrys most successful and popular monarchs. Unlike the overtop of her sister Mary, which was by and large disastrous, Elizabeth made herself a powerful film of female authority through the embellishment and through concrete policies that she urged her country to follow (Jagger (1995)). Her policies could be attributed to the rigorous education she received as a child, which included history, languages, moral philosophy, theology and rhetoric. Her tutor Roger Ascham believed he r mind to have no womanly weaknesses, and her perseverance and memory to be equal to that of a man (Jagger (1995)). As an adult however, although very intelligent, ruthless and calculating at times, she was also renowned for her indecisive nature. This was due to the fact that she sought peace in a higher place all other objects (Johnson (1974) p2) a trait, which many historians believe to have be from her father. Elizabeth viewed Catholicism as ... ...Doran S. (1994), Elizabeth I and religion 1558 1603, p48RoutledgeDoran S. (1994), Elizabeth I and religion 1558 1603, p7 RoutledgeDoran S. (1994), Elizabeth I and religion 1558 1603. RoutledgeJagger A. (1995) The life of Elizabeth I www.luminarium.org/renlit/eliza.htmJohnson P. (1974) Elizabeth A Study in business leader and Intellect Weidenfeld & NicolsonJohnson P. (1974) Elizabeth A Study in Power and Intellect Weidenfeld & NicolsonJohnson P. (1974) Elizabeth A Study in Power and Intellect Weidenfeld & NicolsonQueen Elizabeth I quotation Modern History Sourcebook Queen Elizabeth I of England Selected Writing and Speeches http//www.fordham.edu/halsall/mod/elizabeth1.htmlMcGrath P. 1967, Papists and Puritans under Elizabeth I, Blandford PressMcGrath P. 1967, Papists and Puritans under Elizabeth I, Blandford PressWarren J. (1998), Elizabeth I morality and hostile affairs, Hodder & StoughtonWarren J. (1998), Elizabeth I Religion and foreign affairs, p66 Hodder & StoughtonWarren J. (1998), Elizabeth I Religion and foreign affairs, p69 Hodder & StoughtonWarren J. (1998), Elizabeth I Religion and foreign affairs. Hodder & Stoughton