The 'Golden Age'

What was the 'golden age' during Elizabethan times?

Elizabeth's reign was seen as a 'golden age' of culture and exploration.

Why was Elizabeth's reign considered a 'golden age'?

Elizabeth's reign could be considered a 'golden age' because of the following:

• ❖ Theatre was flourishing and becoming popular. Shakespeare wrote many of his famous plays during this era.
• ❖ England defeated the Spanish Armada in 1588.
• ❖ The English economy improved.
• ❖ Drake circumnavigated the globe.
• ❖ Exploration brought many discoveries back to England, such as spices and new foods.
• ❖ Elizabeth authorised the colonisation of the New World.

Was the golden age real under Elizabeth?

It is debatable just how 'golden' the age was. Here are arguments for and against:

• ❖ It can be considered golden because of how culture and exploration appeared to be flourishing.
• ❖ On the other hand, poverty and religious dissent were very common. Elizabeth used the terms 'golden age' and 'Gloriana' as propaganda to bolster support.