Full Marks Essay: Tudors – Elizabethan Foreign Policy (AQA History A-Level).

Exam Board: AQA
Component: 1C The Tudors: England, 1485-1603
Level 5/A* Essay - Full Marks (25/25)

Question: ‘The foreign policy of Elizabeth I failed to achieve its objectives in the years 1558-1603’. Assess the validity of this view.

This essay contests strongly against the given view. It argues that Elizabeth’s cardinal objective of preserving England’s national security was achieved. Of course, England’s finances were depleted owing to the longevity of the Anglo-Spanish War and the rebellious activity in Ireland. However, ultimately, England’s national security remained intact despite being drawn into conflict with the most powerful Catholic force of that epoch.

Paragraphs explore the following objectives:

• Spreading Protestantism abroad. (This essay notes that spreading Protestant ideas abroad was an objective of great importance to Elizabeth’s ministers, namely Dudley and Cecil, rather than to the queen herself).
• The safeguarding of finances.
• Preserving England’s security.

Word Count: 1495.