The Elizabethan era The “Golden Age” (1558–1603). The Elizabethan era is marked by the reign of Queen Elizabeth I (1558–1603). The “Golden Age”

Queen Elizabeth I Died: 1603 Elizabeth Tudor is considered by many to be the greatest monarch in English history. When she became queen in 1558, she was twenty-five years old, a survivor of scandal and danger, and considered illegitimate by most Europeans. She ruled alone for nearly half a century, lending her name to a glorious time period in world history. Died: 1603

The Globe Theatre The very first theatre in Elizabethan London was introduced by an Elizabethan entrepreneur called James Burbage. The plays written by Elizabethan Playwrights, such as William Shakespeare, were in great demand. Some examples of Shakespeare’s plays are: Taming of the shrew Romeo and Juliet Midsummer nights dream Merchant of Venice

Sir Francis Drake 1540-1596 Drake was an Elizabethan sailor and navigator, and the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. Drake's first expedition was with John Hawkins He captained the ship Judith They went to Africa and captured people to sell into slavery Sailed across the Atlantic to the New World Sold slaves at Spanish port but were betrayed Spanish war ships attacked fleet, destroying many ships Drake and Hawkins were able to escape but never forgave the Spanish. After returning from the New World, Drake wanted revenge on the Spanish. He took up the life of a privateer. As a privateer he would attack the enemy ships of Britain, mostly the Spanish, and take their cargo. To the Spanish, he was considered a pirate. To the English, he was a hero.

The Spanish Armada By 1588 King Philip II of Spain finally had enough of Queen Elizabeth I and her English privateers like Drake. He assembled a huge fleet of Spanish warships called the Spanish Armada and sent them to crush the British and take over England.