How did the reign of Elizabeth transform the Tudor state?
… of Elizabeth, the queen introduced ‘The Elizabethan Settlement of 1559’, restoring a moderate Protestant state. Her reign transformed the state into one which at first brought about stability; she cut down on inflation and reduced England’s debt, whilst also tackling religious opposition. By the end of her reign however, there was conflict and opposition with the Parliament and other European powers, and financial instability. The political and religious ideas of Elizabeth and her government had a major impact on the state as a whole, transforming the Tudor State and effecting social change during her reign. Although Elizabeth’s academic intelligence was high, she wasn’t trained or experienced in politics. John McGurk writes the Queen possessed ideas, learning the mistakes of those before her, especially Mary. She wanted to resolve the extreme hostilities between Catholics and Protestants which her sister had created. Both Elizabeth and Cecil ‘held religion to be the matter …
