To what extent, by 1571, had Elizabeth I solved the religious problems which had faced Edward VI and Mary I?

By 1571, Elizabeth I had achieved a degree of religious stability that both Edward VI and Mary I had struggled to establish. Through a pragmatic and carefully calculated approach, she navigated the treacherous waters of religious division inherited from her siblings. While it can be argued that Elizabeth's settlement did not fully resolve the religious issues of the era, she undeniably mitigated the extremes of both Edward's radical Protestantism and Mary's fervent Catholicism, creating a more unified and peaceful England.

Edward VI's reign (1547-1553) witnessed a dramatic swing towards Protestantism. Under the guidance of his advisors, Edward implemented a series of reforms that severed ties with Rome and established a distinctly English Church. The Act of Supremacy (1547) declared the monarch the Supreme Head of the Church, while the Book of Common Prayer (1549) introduced a uniform liturgy in English, replacing Latin services. These changes, though radical, faced considerable opposition, particularly from traditional Catholics and those skeptical of such rapid religious transformation. Edward's young age and eventual death without a clear heir created a power vacuum, leaving his religious settlement vulnerable.

Mary I's accession (1553-1558) brought a violent reversal of Edward's reforms. A devout Catholic, Mary sought to reunite England with Rome, repealing Edward's Protestant legislation and reviving Catholic doctrines and practices. Her harsh persecution of Protestants, earning her the moniker "Bloody Mary," further deepened religious divisions and sowed seeds of resentment. Although Mary initially enjoyed some popular support, her marriage to Philip of Spain, a staunch Catholic ruler, fuelled fears of foreign influence and ignited rebellion. Mary's reign ended in failure, leaving England religiously divided and politically unstable.

Elizabeth I, acutely aware of the turmoil that had plagued her siblings' reigns, adopted a more balanced approach upon her accession in 1558. Her Religious Settlement of 1559 aimed to create a "middle way" that could accommodate both Catholics and Protestants. The Act of Supremacy re-established the monarch as Supreme Governor of the Church, a more moderate title than "Supreme Head," while the Act of Uniformity enforced a revised Book of Common Prayer, incorporating elements acceptable to both denominations. Elizabeth's settlement aimed for a broad church that, while Protestant in doctrine, retained certain Catholic elements in its practices.

Elizabeth's success in navigating the religious landscape can be attributed to several factors. Her pragmatism allowed her to make concessions and avoid alienating either side completely. Her focus on political unity over strict religious conformity fostered a sense of national identity that transcended religious differences. Unlike Edward, she was careful to secure the support of Parliament and influential nobles, lending her settlement much-needed legitimacy.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that Elizabeth's settlement did not represent a complete resolution of religious issues. Catholic dissent, though largely subdued, persisted throughout her reign, sometimes manifesting in plots against her rule. The rise of Puritanism, a more radical Protestant movement seeking further reform within the Church, presented a new challenge. Elizabeth deftly navigated these tensions, but the underlying religious divisions remained, eventually erupting during the reigns of her Stuart successors.

In conclusion, by 1571 Elizabeth I had achieved a significant degree of religious stability compared to the turmoil that marked the reigns of Edward VI and Mary I. Through her pragmatic approach, political acumen, and focus on national unity, she implemented a religious settlement that largely appeased both Catholics and moderate Protestants. However, it is crucial to recognize that Elizabeth's settlement did not represent a complete resolution of England's religious problems. The embers of religious discord continued to smolder beneath the surface, eventually igniting in the following century. Nonetheless, Elizabeth's reign provided England with a vital period of relative religious peace, laying the groundwork for the development of a stronger, more unified nation.