Compare the reigns of Mary I and Elizabeth I.

Mary I and Elizabeth I had contrasting reigns, with Mary's being marked by religious persecution and Elizabeth's by relative stability and prosperity.

Mary I, also known as 'Bloody Mary', reigned from 1553 to 1558. Her reign was characterised by a return to Catholicism following the Protestant reign of her half-brother, Edward VI. Mary sought to reverse the religious reforms of her father, Henry VIII, and her brother, leading to the persecution and execution of numerous Protestants, hence her nickname. Her reign was also marked by economic difficulties and a disastrous war with France, which led to the loss of Calais, England's last possession in France.

Elizabeth I, on the other hand, reigned from 1558 to 1603, a period known as the Elizabethan era. Her reign is often considered a 'golden age' in English history. Elizabeth was a moderate Protestant and she sought to establish a middle way between Catholicism and Protestantism, which resulted in the Elizabethan Religious Settlement. This brought a period of relative religious peace in England. Elizabeth's reign also saw significant economic growth, exploration, and cultural development, with figures like William Shakespeare flourishing during this time.

However, Elizabeth's reign was not without challenges. She faced numerous plots and conspiracies, most notably the Spanish Armada in 1588. Elizabeth's decision to remain unmarried and childless also led to uncertainty over the succession. Despite these challenges, Elizabeth managed to maintain relative stability and prosperity in England.

In comparison, Mary's reign was marked by religious and political turmoil. Her decision to marry Philip II of Spain was deeply unpopular and led to a rebellion. Her attempts to restore Catholicism were met with resistance and her persecution of Protestants left a lasting negative legacy. Economically, her reign was marked by inflation and financial difficulties.

In contrast, Elizabeth's reign was characterised by relative religious tolerance, economic prosperity, and cultural development. Her pragmatic approach to religion and politics, as well as her strong leadership, contributed to the stability and success of her reign. However, her decision to remain unmarried and childless led to uncertainty and potential instability.

In conclusion, while both Mary I and Elizabeth I faced significant challenges during their reigns, their approaches and outcomes were markedly different. Mary's reign was characterised by religious persecution and economic difficulties, while Elizabeth's was marked by relative stability, prosperity, and cultural development.