Elizabeth 1 Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Elizabeth 1 - Term Paper Example Although 45 years government of Elizabeth-I accomplished a lot of tasks which gave a real push to the British rule to spread across the borders and thus became a leading military and economic power of the world, however, the same era had also highlighted some of the most historical controversies regarding the Queen’s claim of being a virgin, her religious reforms, and the massive control of her influential authorities on her. Childhood One of the greatest Queens of England, Elizabeth-I, was born as the second child of Henry VIII on 7 September 1533 at Greenwich Palace. Elizabethan mother was second wife of Henry VIII and just at the time of birth Elizabeth had the heiress presumptive to the royal seat of English monarchy because Mary, her elder step-sister, had lost the right of legitimate heir of throne of England as Henry had annulled his marriage to her mother1. Just after three days of her birth, Elizabeth was baptised on 10 September. In 1536, Elizabeth’s mother di ed, therefore, Elizabeth heiress was declared illegitimate as she lost the title of princess as well2. Soon after this, Henry married Jane Seymour who also died shortly after giving birth to Prince Edward who became the undisputed heir to the throne of British Empire. From 1537 onward, Elizabeth taught from several mistresses like Lady Bryant, Blanche Herbert, Catherine Champernowne, William Grindal and Blanche Parry. Champernowne taught her several languages which included English, French, Flemish, Italian and Spanish3. Elizabeth also learnt Greek from Grindal. Elizabeth was the most highly educated girl of her generation just at the age of 17 when she formally ended her education4. In later stages of her life, Elizabeth also acknowledged to speak Scottish, Welsh, Cornish, and Irish languages. In 1603, the Venetian ambassador regarded her as â€Å"possessing [these] languages so thoroughly that each appeared to be her native tongue†.5 Accession Mary died on 17th November, 15 58. After her death, Elizabeth’s accession was welcomed in a jubilation fashion. Elizabeth had a great personality composed of impressive physique and look. Her olive like complexion along with reddish-gold hair made her even more attractive and gracious figure for young generation and especially for the princes of her era. Elizabeth was as eloquent as just at the start of her realm and during coronation rituals, she successfully created a great enthusiasm in general community. In her very first address to the Parliament she said: My lords, the law of nature moves me to sorrow for my sister; the burden that is fallen upon me makes me amazed, and yet, considering I am God’s creature, ordained to obey His appointment, I will thereto yield, desiring from the bottom of my heart that I may have assistance of His grace to be the minister of His heavenly will in this office now committed to me. And as I am but one body naturally considered, though by His permission a body pol itic to govern, so shall I desire you all ... to be assistant to me, that I with my ruling and you with your service may make a good account to Almighty God and leave some comfort to our posterity on earth. I mean to direct all my actions by good advice and counsel.6 Elizabeth’s talks could be rough and tough as well as appeased, her official approach and strategies were impulsive, and her intentions were unfathomable. She exasperated some of her advisors because they pointed out her indifference