Study Materials
from Groww Academy

The death of Henry VIII in 1547 was followed by a period of acute political uncertainties over the question of succession. The young King Edward VI was the titular head of the state. His premature death in 1553 unleashed a phase which saw untold violence and suffering for the people of England professing the Protestant faith, under the Catholic Mary Tudor. The accession of Elizabeth I to the throne of England in 1558, at the age of 25, marked the beginning of true nationalism and the gradual attainment of stability in all spheres. The first few years of Elizabeth's reign were dominated by the twin issues of settling the theological disputes and solidifying her own position as Queen of England. By the time the Spanish Armada was defeated, in 1588, Elizabeth was able to demonstrate her invincible power as a leader of men. In addition, France and Spain no longer posed themselves as constant threats to England. Her charismatic presence was felt in every aspect of English life-not merely was she the head of state and Church, she was a dominating presence in all forms of the literary and artistic culture of the period.