* Religious Persecution: Mary was a staunch Catholic and saw the Protestant Reformation as a threat to the Church and her own legitimacy as queen. She sought to restore Catholicism to England, which had been moving towards Protestantism under her father, Henry VIII, and her brother, Edward VI. This led to her persecuting Protestants, burning hundreds of them at the stake for heresy.
* The Number of Deaths: While the exact number of people executed for religious reasons during Mary's reign is disputed, it is estimated to be somewhere between 280 and 300. This was a significant number for the time, particularly considering the relatively short duration of Mary's reign (1553-1558).
* The Term "Bloody Mary": The term "Bloody Mary" likely originated after her death. It was likely coined by her Protestant opponents to demonize her legacy and portray her as a cruel and bloodthirsty ruler.
* Historical Perspective: It's important to note that "Bloody Mary" was not a title she used or accepted. While her reign was marked by persecution, some historians argue that the term is overly simplistic and ignores the complexities of the period.
While it's true that Mary was a devout Catholic and saw the Protestant Reformation as a threat, the degree of her responsibility for the persecution is debated. Some argue that she was acting to protect the Church and her own throne, while others view her actions as cruel and unnecessary.
Ultimately, the moniker "Bloody Mary" reflects the lasting impact of her religious persecution on the historical narrative.