U NET : NET SET PHD EXAM

  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 . 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. 2. Society and Economy Social Structure : Monarch → Nobility → Gentry → Merchants → Peasants. Agriculture : Main occupation; enclosure movement increased land productivity. Trade and Commerce : Growth o...