Early Elizabethan England, 1558–88
25 eLearning modules · CPD Certified · SCORM
Early Elizabethan England (1558–88) was marked by the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who ascended the throne in 1558. Her rule brought stability after years of religious turmoil. Elizabeth established Protestantism as the national faith, facing threats from Catholic powers like Spain. Society was hierarchical, with a growing middle class and increasing literacy. The Elizabethan Religious Settlement aimed to unite the nation, though tensions remained. England began exploring the New World, boosting trade and naval power. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 was a major triumph. This era laid foundations for England’s cultural, political, and global prominence.
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What this lesson contains
Government on Elizabeth's accession
Society on Elizabeth's accession
Virgin Queen: legitimacy, gender and marriage
Virgin Queen: Character and StrengthsPreview not available
Challenges at Home: Financial WeaknessesPreview not available
Challenges Abroad: France, Scotland and SpainPreview not available
Religious divisions in England in 1558Preview not available
Elizabeth’s religious settlementPreview not available
Church of England: Its Role in SocietyPreview not available
The Puritan ChallengePreview not available
The Catholic Challenge at HomePreview not available
The Catholic challenge abroadPreview not available
Mary’s claim to the throne and arrival in EnglandPreview not available
Mary vs Elizabeth: A Royal RivalryPreview not available
The Revolt of the Northern EarlsPreview not available
The Ridolfi PlotPreview not available
The Throckmorton and Babington PlotsPreview not available
Walsingham’s SpiesPreview not available
Spain: political and religious rivalryPreview not available
Elizabeth's relationship with SpainPreview not available
The Spanish ArmadaPreview not available
Elizabethan Education: A Social OverviewPreview not available
Elizabethan LeisurePreview not available
The Problem of the Poor in Elizabethan EnglandPreview not available
Exploration and Voyages of DiscoveryPreview not available