* Established a strong and stable government: Elizabeth I inherited a country that was in turmoil. The previous monarch, Mary I, had been a Catholic and had tried to force her religion on the country. This led to a civil war between Protestants and Catholics. Elizabeth I restored religious peace by establishing the Church of England, which was a compromise between Catholicism and Protestantism. She also created a strong and effective Parliament, which helped her to govern the country effectively.
* Defeated the Spanish Armada: In 1588, the Spanish Armada, a fleet of 130 ships, sailed against England. Elizabeth I rallied her people to defend their country, and the English Navy defeated the Armada. This victory was a major turning point in English history, as it showed that England was a major power in Europe.
* Expanded England's empire: Elizabeth I supported English exploration of the New World, and England established colonies in North America. She also granted charters to trading companies, such as the East India Company, which helped to expand England's trade with Asia.
* Encouraged the arts: Elizabeth I was a great patron of the arts, and her reign saw a flowering of English literature, music, and theater. Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund Spenser were all writing during this time.
Honors
* Queen of England: Elizabeth I was Queen of England from 1558 until her death in 1603.
* Head of the Church of England: Elizabeth I was the Supreme Governor of the Church of England.
* Order of the Garter: Elizabeth I was a member of the Order of the Garter, the most prestigious order of chivalry in England.
* Order of the Thistle: Elizabeth I was a member of the Order of the Thistle, the most prestigious order of chivalry in Scotland.