Elizabeth's Problems in the 1590s

What were the years of decline?

The 1590s were seen as the years of decline for Elizabeth. Towards the end of her reign she found it harder to resolve problems.

What problems did Elizabeth face in the 1590s?

Elizabeth faced several challenges in the 1590s:

• ❖ Ireland became more challenging to govern, and this period saw the Nine Years War.
• ❖ The Earl of Essex, a member of the royal court, led a rebellion against Elizabeth.
• ❖ Elizabeth's closest and oldest advisers, such as Walsingham, were beginning to die.
• ❖ There was a severe outbreak of the plague in 1593.
• ❖ Elizabeth was becoming increasingly ill and had not ensured her succession.