Why did Elizabeth kill Mary? This question has intrigued historians and readers alike for centuries. The relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, was fraught with tension and suspicion, ultimately leading to the tragic fate of Mary. This article delves into the reasons behind Elizabeth’s decision to eliminate her cousin, examining the political, religious, and personal factors that contributed to this pivotal moment in British history.
Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the English throne in 1558, following the death of her half-sister, Queen Mary I. Elizabeth’s reign, known as the Elizabethan Age, was marked by prosperity, cultural flourishing, and the establishment of England as a major European power. However, the shadow of her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, loomed large over her reign. Mary had been a popular figure in Scotland and was seen as a potential claimant to the English throne due to her royal lineage.
One of the primary reasons why Elizabeth felt compelled to eliminate Mary was the threat she posed to her own position as queen. Mary’s claim to the English throne was legitimate, as she was the daughter of James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise, the sister of Henry VIII. Elizabeth, being the daughter of Henry VIII’s older daughter, Mary Tudor, had a tenuous claim to the throne herself. The fear of a Catholic successor during a time when Protestantism was gaining traction in England was a constant concern for Elizabeth.
Religious differences also played a significant role in the conflict between the two queens. Mary was a Catholic, while Elizabeth was a Protestant. England had undergone a religious upheaval during the reign of Mary I, who had attempted to restore Catholicism to the country. Elizabeth, on the other hand, was determined to maintain the Protestant faith and consolidate her power. Mary’s Catholic beliefs and her potential to restore Catholicism in England posed a threat to Elizabeth’s efforts to establish a Protestant England.
Furthermore, personal animosity between the two queens contributed to the growing tension. Elizabeth had always been suspicious of Mary, viewing her as a potential rival. The two had met only once, during a brief visit to England in 1561, and their relationship was strained from the outset. Elizabeth was wary of Mary’s intentions and feared that she would seek to undermine her authority.
The culmination of these factors led to the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1587. Elizabeth ordered the assassination of Mary, which was carried out by a group of English Catholics known as the Babington Plot. The plot was uncovered, and Elizabeth was faced with a difficult decision. She could have forgiven Mary, but the political and religious stakes were too high. Elizabeth chose to eliminate her cousin, thereby ensuring her own reign and the preservation of Protestantism in England.
In conclusion, the question of why Elizabeth killed Mary is a complex one, involving political, religious, and personal factors. The threat Mary posed to Elizabeth’s throne, the religious differences between the two queens, and the personal animosity that had developed between them all contributed to the tragic outcome. The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, remains a pivotal moment in British history, a testament to the power and determination of Queen Elizabeth I to secure her reign and the Protestant faith.
