Question

Which statements accurately describe Elizabeth I?

Answer 1

Answer: B. She restored the Church of England as the nation's official church. D. She defeated the Spanish Armada, clearing the way for England to build an  empire.

Explanation:

• Elizabeth I was Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 to 1603. She is known for the defeat of the great Spanish Armada, which remains one of the most impressive military victories in history of England, and the restoration of the Church of England.

• The Spanish Armada, which was led by the Duke of Medina-Sidonia, attacked the English army in 1588, determined to invade England. The Spanish army failed in this attempt, and due to the weather conditions and heroic resistance provided by the English fleet, 37 of 129 Spanish ships were destroyed.

• By the time Elizabeth I came to the throne, England was practically divided between Catholics and Protestants, due to the previous changes in religion made by Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I. With the Elizabethan Settlement of 1559, the queen tried to settle the conflict between the two religions. However, queen's efforts gradually failed because of the Catholic rebellions (1569 and 1571), and the decision was made to execute all the Catholic priests who were ordained since Queen Elizabeth became the English monarch. By the time the queen died in 1603, England was transformed from a Catholic into a Protestant country.