Elizabethan Age (1558–1603) 

The Elizabethan Era refers to the period of Queen Elizabeth I’s reign (1558–1603) in England. It is often called the Golden Age of England because of its achievements in literature, arts, politics, and exploration.

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1. Political Background

• Queen Elizabeth I ascended the throne in 1558 after the death of Mary I.

• Known for political stability after years of religious and civil turmoil.

• Elizabethan Religious Settlement (1559): Established the Church of England as a middle path between Catholicism and Protestantism.

• Avoided major conflicts with nobles and Parliament; strengthened monarchy.

• England faced external threats: Spanish Armada (1588) – defeated by English navy, marking England’s rise as a naval power.

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2. Society and Economy

• Social Structure: Monarch → Nobility → Gentry → Merchants → Peasants.

• Agriculture: Main occupation; enclosure movement increased land productivity.

• Trade and Commerce: Growth of merchant class; overseas trade expanded (America, Asia).

• Urban Life: London became a center of commerce and culture.

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3. Literature and Arts

• Known as the Elizabethan Renaissance.

• Key Writers:

  • William Shakespeare – Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet.

  • Christopher Marlowe – Doctor Faustus.

  • Edmund Spenser – The Faerie Queene.

• Drama & Theater: The Globe Theatre, rise of professional actors.

• Poetry & Music: Flourished among nobility and middle class.

Elizabethan Writers and Their Works (1558–1603)

1. William Shakespeare (1564–1616)

• Romeo and Juliet (1597) – Tragedy

• Hamlet (1600) – Tragedy

• Macbeth (1606) – Tragedy

• A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595) – Comedy

• Othello (1603) – Tragedy

• King Lear (1605) – Tragedy

2. Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593)

• Doctor Faustus (1604) – Tragedy

• Tamburlaine the Great (1587–1588) – Tragedy

• The Jew of Malta (1590) – Tragedy

• Edward II (1592) – Tragedy

3. Edmund Spenser (1552–1599)

• The Faerie Queene (1590, 1596) – Epic Poem

• Amoretti (1595) – Sonnet Cycle

• The Shepherd’s Calendar (1579) – Pastoral Poetry

4. Ben Jonson (1572–1637)

• Volpone (1606) – Comedy

• The Alchemist (1610) – Comedy

• Every Man in His Humour (1598) – Comedy

5. Philip Sidney (1554–1586)

• Astrophel and Stella (1591) – Sonnet Sequence

• Arcadia (1580–1581) – Prose Romance

• The Defence of Poesy (1583) – Literary Criticism

6. Thomas Kyd (1558–1594)

• The Spanish Tragedy (1587) – Revenge Tragedy

7. John Lyly (1553–1606)

• Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit (1578) – Prose

• Euphues and His England (1580) – Prose

8. Thomas Nashe (1567–1601)

• The Unfortunate Traveller (1594) – Prose Fiction

• Summer’s Last Will and Testament (1600) – Play

9. Sir Walter Raleigh (1552–1618)

• The History of the World (1614) – Prose

• Poems and literary essays

10. George Peele (1556–1596)

• The Arraignment of Paris (1584) – Play

• Edward I (1593) – Play

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4. Exploration and Expansion

• Era of English explorers and maritime expansion.

• Sir Francis Drake – circumnavigated the globe.

• Sir Walter Raleigh – attempted colonies in America.

• Trade increased with Spain, Portugal, India, and the East Indies.

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5. Religion

• Religious moderation; persecution limited compared to previous rulers.

• Anglican Church established firmly; Catholics faced restrictions but were not widely persecuted.

• Promoted Protestant identity without extreme violence.

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6. Key Features of the Elizabethan Era

• Golden Age of literature and drama.

• Strengthening of national identity and monarchy.

• Growth of commerce, trade, and exploration.

• Defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588) – symbol of naval power.

• Rise of Renaissance culture in arts, music, and architecture.

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Quick Facts for Exams:

• Queen: Elizabeth I (1558–1603)

• Religious Settlement: 1559

• Spanish Armada: 1588

• Famous Writers: Shakespeare, Marlowe, Spenser

• Era Nickname: Golden Age of England

Important Events and Incidents in the Elizabethan Era

1. Accession of Elizabeth I (1558)

• Elizabeth I became queen after the death of Mary I.

• Marked the beginning of political stability and the Elizabethan Golden Age.

2. Elizabethan Religious Settlement (1559)

• Established the Church of England as the national church.

• Attempted to create a middle path between Catholicism and Protestantism.

3. Defeat of the Spanish Armada (1588)

• Spain sent a fleet to invade England.

• English navy defeated the Armada, establishing England as a major naval power.

4. Elizabethan Renaissance

• Flourishing of literature, drama, poetry, and arts.

• Rise of Shakespeare, Marlowe, Spenser, and other key writers.

• Growth of theater culture (e.g., The Globe Theatre).

5. Exploration and Maritime Expansion

• Sir Francis Drake circumnavigated the globe.

• Sir Walter Raleigh attempted American colonies.

• England expanded trade with Asia, America, and Europe.

6. Economic and Social Developments

• Growth of urban centers (London as cultural hub).

• Expansion of merchant class and overseas trade.

• Agricultural changes: Enclosure movement increased productivity.

7. Political Stability and Diplomacy

• Elizabeth balanced the influence of Parliament and nobility.

• Maintained peace with France and Spain through diplomacy until the Armada incident.

8. Cultural and Scientific Advancements

• Music: Madrigals and courtly music flourished.

• Architecture: Elizabethan style with large manor houses and decorative designs.

• Early interest in science and navigation supported exploration.

9. Plots and Conspiracies

• Northern Rebellion (1569): Catholic nobles attempted to overthrow Elizabeth.

• Ridolfi Plot (1571): Conspiracy to replace Elizabeth with Mary, Queen of Scots.

• Babington Plot (1586): Led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots.

10. Mary, Queen of Scots (Executed 1587)

• Threatened Elizabeth’s throne due to Catholic support.

• Her execution strengthened Protestant rule in England.

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💡 Exam Tip:

• Focus on dates, incidents, and outcomes:

  • 1558 → Elizabeth becomes queen

  • 1559 → Religious Settlement

  • 1587 → Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots

  • 1588 → Defeat of Spanish Armada