Question

Which monarch helped define a sense of English national identity and expertly balanced opposing religious, social, governmental, and personal forces? A) Queen Elizabeth I B) King Henry VIII C) King Edward I D) Queen Victoria

Answer 1

Queen Elizabeth I was the monarch who helped define English national identity and balanced various opposing forces, maintaining stability between Protestants and Catholics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The monarch who helped define a sense of English national identity and expertly balanced opposing religious, social, governmental, and personal forces was Queen Elizabeth I. During her reign from 1558 to 1603, Elizabeth I sought to achieve a balance between Protestants and Catholics in England, leaning toward Protestantism while requiring only outward conformity from her subjects. The Church of England maintained aspects of Catholic ceremony, but services were conducted in the vernacular and priests were allowed to marry. These compromises led to stability and the rise of the Puritans. Her ability to navigate through these complex issues and her measures to oppose Spain’s attempt to eliminate Protestantism were instrumental in establishing a strong English national identity. Additionally, she approved of English privateers, furthering England's presence in the Atlantic World and defending Protestant interests against predominantly Catholic Spain.

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