Mary And Elizabeth 1 Research Paper

Mary is the most famous queen in Scottish history. She is the only child of King James V. James V was the king of Scotland. James died from battle during one the Catholic church's crusades against England. King James never got to even see Mary. Her father never wanted a daughter. Her brothers died at a very young age("Stuart, Mary" 1) Mary was only a week old when she became an heir to the Scottish throne (Schlesinger 16). Mary's mother sent her to France for school when she was five years old. Mary's mom ruled Scotland for her until Mary was old enough to rule herself. While at school she learned many languages and attended school with the king's children. Although she was a good student Mary like the outdoors better. She loved animals and …show more content…
When she came back her land wasn't catholic anymore but protestant. The treaty with France and Scotland ended. Scotland was now a protestant country. When Mary returned her cousin, Elizabeth I was hostile towards her due to the fact she feared that Mary wanted to take her power("Stuart, Mary" 2). Mary and Elizabeth were cousins. Mary also had a claim to the English throne through her mother's side. They were both powers hungry due to the fact they both had claimed to each other's throne and this made them bitter toward each other. Mary advocated for Catholicism and Elizabeth for Protestantism(Schlesinger …show more content…
She did not believe the rumors of the plot to take her throne unless there was proof. In 1587 a warrant is put out for Mary to be executed for treason. Queen Elizabeth tries to avoid this execution, but after discovering Mary's plots to overthrow her she had no choice. Sir Francis Walsingham had spies interpret Mary letters to plot against Elizabeth. Walsingham used this as evidence to have Mary executed(Schlesinger 101)Mary defended herself with poise and elegance. She believed she wasn't wrong. She didn't believe she was guilty in her plots against Elizabeth. Mary only pleads guilty for wanting her freedom. Mary grew courageous(Schaefer 178). While Mary was in exile the Catholics in Scotland were treated terribly. No one trusted Scotland. Catholics were being persecuted. Mary wrote many poems during her imprisonment. Mary at this point was distressed and would react with tantrums and tears. Mary wanted to speak with Elizabeth while in exile. Mary knew she could persuade Elizabeth to let her go. Mary wrote many letters to Elizabeth pleading her case. She also asked France and Spain to help her gain her freedom. Mary still hoped for a meeting for her freedom but her enemies had plans to keep her imprisoned(Schaefer 150).Through the schemes of The Ridolfi Plot, The Throckmorton plot, and the Babington plot and the compiled evidence of Mary she was tried to put to death("Mary Queen of Scots" 2). The Throckmorton