How important was the foreign situation in shaping Elizabeth I’s religious policy?
This essay will explore the importance of the foreign situation in shaping Elizabeth I’s religious policy. It will consider arguments for and against the foreign situation being the most important factor.

Support for the foreign situation being important:
Firstly, England was still officially at war with France during the early years of Elizabeth’s reign. This situation meant that it was in Elizabeth’s interest to avoid making England too Protestant and alienating Catholic powers like Spain. This would have led to a potential Franco-Spanish alliance against England.
Secondly, Mary I had been married to Philip of Spain, a staunchly Catholic power. While this marriage had ended, it was still important for Elizabeth to maintain good relations with Spain. Spain was a major power and Elizabeth needed to avoid being drawn into any alliances with France or Scotland that could lead to conflict with Spain. Elizabeth’s religious policy was therefore a balancing act to appease both Spain and France, to ensure the safety of her realm.
Thirdly, the signing of the Treaty of Cateau Cambresis in 1559 ended the war with France, but it also led to an improvement in Franco-Spanish relations. This development posed a potential threat to England if it became too Protestant. Elizabeth needed to find a way to balance her religious policy with the need to maintain a strong foreign policy and avoid being caught in the middle of a Franco-Spanish conflict.

Support for the foreign situation not being important:
Firstly, Elizabeth I’s own views on religion were more important than the foreign situation. Elizabeth was a moderate Protestant who believed in the need for religious unity. She was determined to create a religious settlement that would satisfy a majority of her subjects. She felt her claim to the throne had been strengthened by her father’s Protestant stance and was unlikely to risk this by adopting Catholicism.
Secondly, the influence of the returning exiles, mostly Protestants who had fled during the reign of Mary I, was significant. These exiles were eager to see England become a Protestant nation and their influence on Elizabeth’s religious policy was substantial. However, these exiles were often extreme and their influence had to be tempered to avoid alienating the more moderate Catholics within the country.
Thirdly, the popularity of Catholicism was a major factor in Elizabeth’s religious policy. The majority of England’s population was Catholic and Elizabeth was aware that a radical Protestant policy could lead to instability and rebellion. This is why she chose a more moderate approach, aiming to appeal to a broad cross-section of society.
Fourthly, the attitudes of the Commons and Lords, especially the opposition within the Lords, played a major role. The Commons largely supported Elizabeth’s moderate Protestant approach, but the Lords were more divided. There were many Catholic lords who would have opposed any major changes to the religious status quo. Elizabeth needed to be careful not to alienate these figures.
Fifthly, the influence of the ‘Puritan Choir’ was another factor. This group of Protestants was more extreme in their views and wanted to see a more radical reform of the Church of England. Elizabeth was wary of their influence and resisted their pressure for greater change.
Sixthly, Elizabeth’s religious background as the child of Anne Boleyn, who had been declared a heretic, influenced her religious choices. Elizabeth was aware of the fragility of her own legitimacy and the potential for Catholic opposition. She needed to find a way to secure her own position without provoking a religious backlash.
Seventhly, Elizabeth’s need to unite the country was paramount, and the advice she received from her advisors reflected this. She was told that the country needed a period of stability after the turbulence of Mary I’s reign. This led her to adopt a moderate religious policy that was designed to appeal to a wide range of religious views.

Conclusion
In conclusion, while the foreign situation was a factor in Elizabeth I’s religious policy, it was not the most important factor. Elizabeth’s own views on religion, the influence of the returning exiles, the popularity of Catholicism, the attitudes of the Commons and Lords, the influence of the ‘Puritan Choir’, her religious background and her need to unite the country were all significant factors in shaping her religious policy. The foreign situation was a factor that she had to take into account, but it was not the deciding factor in shaping her religious settlement.