Elizabeth I of England

Elizabeth I was the Queen of England from 1558 to 1603, known for stabilizing the nation after years of religious conflict and political upheaval. She established the Protestant Church of England, balancing Catholic and Protestant interests, and promoted arts, exploration, and science. Elizabeth was intelligent, shrewd, and skilled at diplomacy, maintaining her power in a male-dominated society. Her reign, called the Elizabethan Era, is celebrated for cultural achievements like Shakespeare and for strengthening England's independence and global presence. She remains a symbol of national identity, often called the "Virgin Queen" for her unmarried status and unwavering leadership.