4.6 The last years of Elizabeth

Question 1

What problems did Elizabeth face by the end of her reign?

Answer 1

• Economic depression during the 1590s
• Succession Crisis: No heir to the throne. There was a fear of a succession war
• The Nine Year War took £2 million to suppress. Elizabeth’s refusal to compromise with Tyrone was unrealistic
• The Spanish would not end war with England because Elizabeth wanted the Dutch to be involved in the peace
• Essex was a ‘loose cannon’. Caused Essex’s rebellion
• Elizabeth’s old age made it hard for Elizabeth to manage her court and realm