Why was William Shakespeare forced to marry Anne Hathaway?

William Shakespeare was not forced to marry Anne Hathaway. In fact, there is no evidence to suggest that they did not have a consensual marriage. The only evidence we have about their marriage is the fact that they were married in November 1582, when Anne was pregnant with their first child, Susanna. It is likely that they chose to marry in order to avoid scandal and to provide for their child.