Queen Elizabeth's Speech To The Troops At Tilbury

Being able to face adversity in dire times can bring people together more than ever. King Phillip of Spain declared an invasion along the English shores to convert the land back to Roman Catholicism and terminate Queen Elizabeth as the ruler, in 1588. As the soldiers began to prepare for the battle to come, the queen elated them with a motivational speech. Within Queen Elizabeth's "Speech to the troops at Tilbury,” she reassures her people, places herself under a higher authority, and promises no one's efforts will go unnoticed to highlight her commitment, fully expressing her dedication in being available if need be. Queen Elizabeth constantly reassures her people throughout the speech. To establish this connection, early in the speech she
Due to the sudden call to battle, everyone is scared and feeling unprepared. However, the parts of the speech that were previously quoted reminded them they were not alone. Their confidence was boosted, and they were given the confidence they needed to face Spain head-to-head. The speech made by the queen includes placing herself under a higher authority, God. As royalty was thought to be specifically appointed by God, she uses their common religion to place her "chiefest strength and safeguard in the loyal hearts and good-will of my subjects.” The text is evidence of the queen referring to God in such a way as to make her seem more trustworthy. Her main priority appears to be securing her people’s trust in her. As a result, she appears fit to lead them with excellence. The Queen being a woman, she ensures she can lead just as well as a man could, if not better. Queen Elizabeth also states that she is willing to sacrifice herself indirectly “to lay down for my God.” To promote the idea of her being ready to give whatever it costs to defeat Spain, we see her mention her God throughout the