The Reign of Elizabeth I

The Reign of Elizabeth I looks at the difficulties Elizabeth and England faced during a time of war and economic distress, and great social and cultural changes. During this time, England became a Protestant nation, and though Elizabeth tried to keep peace, by the end of her reign England was involved in a war with Catholic Spain. The period was also significant culturally and socially, as gender expectations changed and Shakespeare's plays were part of a great cultural development.

Carole Levin is Professor of History, University of Nebraska.