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Elizabeth I DBQ
Elizabeth I is considered a Machiavellian queen; she placed the political unity of England above any other aspect of her kingdom, including religion. Elizabeth I’s reign was influenced politically and religiously, in respect to ideas about gender. Elizabeth, daughter of Henry VIII, responded authoritatively to any opposition she faced. Considering the fact that a female successor to the throne of England was ascending, there was a tremendous amount of political influence on her reign. The Act of Supremacy (Doc. 3), declared by King Henry VII, assured that Elizabeth would be the rightful heir to the throne of England; this parliamentary act stated that Elizabeth is the most superior being of the realm of her kingdom. Because Henry VIII wanted to break away from the papacy to elevate his status as head of the church and state, the motive for this parliamentary act was to increase the monarchy’s status and establish an independent kingdom of England. Moreover, John Aylmer (Doc. 2) suggests that since Elizabeth does not rule alone, but with the Parliament, there should be no reason to object her rule. Since Aylmer has connections with Elizabeth’s court and a significant influence on the population of the kingdom, he might have written this exert in his pamphlet to soothe the opinions of anti-feminists who blatantly attacked Elizabeth’s reign. Furthermore, Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger (Doc. 8) paints Elizabeth standing on a globe; this shows that her court painter was attempting to win her favor by depicting that Elizabeth had the power in her hands. Similarly, William Clowes (Doc. 10) expresses his devotion to her Majesty. Being that he is her personal surgeon, he might also want to win her favor by praising the queen and gain influence of his own. During Elizabeth I reign, there was a considerable amount of religious influence that circulated England. John Knox (Doc. 1) expresses his discontent with a woman