Queen Elizabeth I(Queen Elizabeth I by Robert Green, 1969 and Elizabeth I by Jane Bingham, 2009) These books tell the story of one of England’s greatest monarchs, Queen Elizabeth I. Elizabeth was the last of the Tudor line, reigning from 1558 until her death in 1603, for a total of 44 years. Elizabeth’s legacy is known as the Golden Age and the Elizabethan era. Elizabeth established England as a world power and a Protestant state all without the help of a husband.
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Historically Significant Artifacts |
Significance of Artifact in Elizabeth's LifeThe crown represents Elizabeth’s coronation and her rule. Elizabeth reigned for 44 years without a king; Elizabeth is the only English queen to never marry. The cross represents Elizabeth’s excommunication from the Catholic Church and her establishment of the Protestant Angelic Church in England. This represents the war between the English and Spanish and their battle of the Armada. The executioner's block represents the many executions that Elizabeth ordered throughout her reign including the execution of Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, for his attempt at rebellion against Elizabeth after she arrested him for his failed attempt to suppress the Irish rebels. The seal for the East India Company represents England’s colonization of the world and their establishment as a world power. |
My interpretation of the historical significance of the artifact and eventsElizabeth’s solo reign proved that woman could be successful without a man by her side. This began a trend of female power and independence that has lasted to today.
Elizabeth’s declaration to make England a protestant state along with her father’s decision to split from the Catholic Church began the Protestant reformation a split that has led to a variety of new denominations and faiths. The English defeated 132 Spanish ships with only 34 English ships in the English Channel in 1588; this led to a new era of naval tactics that eventually led to modern strategies. Devereux’s inability to suppress the Irish rebellion eventually led to the Irish splitting from Great Britain and establishing an independent nation. As well as creating the political unrest that continues to exist between Ireland and Northern Ireland. During Elizabeth’s reign began colonization of the America’s and established the East India Company. This helped England advance as a major world power, a place they still hold today. |
The container for my storytelling artifacts would be: A miniature covered wagon because when Elizabeth would travel around England to see her people she would have the courtiers on horseback, servants on foot, and covered wagons carrying her dresses and jewelry.