The problems of being a female ruler (CONTINUE)

Why was it rare for a queen to rule in her own right in 16th century England?

Medieval Christianity taught people that women were inferior to men. In the household, men expected women to obey their orders.

What would society not see Elizabeth strong enough to do?

Lead their army into battle, as that’s what monarchs did

Why did society view women as incapable of ruling a country?

In the 16th century, most women received little to no education, so there was a popular belief that women weren’t as intelligent as men

How were women viewed?

As too emotional, the people expected their monarch to make difficult decisions. Society believed that men were more ruthless than women

Who was Elizabeth constantly compared to?

Her sister Mary I. Mary’s reign highlighted many of the problems of having a female ruler;

• Marriage - Mary I married the Catholic King Philip II of Spain. He controlled Mary and led England to war against France, subsequently losing Calais, If Elizabeth married, England could be controlled by a foreign ruler 

• Succession - Mary I did not have children so there was no heir to the throne. This created problems for succession. It created instability as the country once again became Protestant when Elizabeth succeeded Mary I

How did Elizabeth deal with the issue of being a female ruler?

• Using the patronage system  

• Her characteristics 

  • Elizabeth was a persuasive speaker 

  • Elizabeth would flirt with courtiers 

• Creating rivalries in her court 

  • This allowed her to manage problems and keep loyalty 

• Being forceful and strong when necessary 

  • When Peter Wentworth discussed succession against the queen's orders, he was put in the Tower of London 

• Separating herself from Mary I 

  • The mistakes of Mary I helped to form her decisions throughout her reign