The Foreign Policy During The Reign Of Elizabeth Ⅰ

Since Elizabeth I came to the throne, England had undergone tremendousdevelopment in economy, politics, art and diplomacy at which we even marvel in themodern times. Much research has been done into the development of economy,politics, art and religion during this period, yet not much has been done into thediplomacy during the reign of Elizabeth I. As for the existent research, two majorparts hold different opinions: one holds that the foreign policies during the reign ofElizabeth I were a total change of the previous policies of England, while the otherpart holds the opposite opinion. Therefore, this thesis is focused to deal with thequestion with the approach of history and culture together with contrast between theforeign policies by Elizabeth I and the previous rulers.The traditional English foreign policies are summarized before the policiesduring the reign of Elizabeth I are analyzed. The foreign policies during the reign ofElizabeth I are outlined from the three major issues in Europe: the Calais Issue, theScotland Issue and the Netherlands Issue. After analyzing England’s foreign policiesin the three issues, some common characteristics can be found such as theabandonment of the traditional territorial expansion, flexibility and prudence, freedomfrom the religious shackles and marriage negotiation. Then an analysis is made fromthe political, religious and matrimonial angle as for the foreign policies.Then it can be drawn that Elizabeth I adopted the foreign policy out of theconsideration for the benefits of England and its people. The foreign policies couldensure England a sound internal and external environment to recover from the severeeconomic depression and give England as much time as possible to prosper to counterthe great powers in Europe in the near future. Therefore, the foreign policies duringthe reign of Elizabeth I is an alteration of the previous traditional English foreignpolicies, for the ruler transferred from pursuing the interest of the rulers to that of thepublic and the nation as a whole.