Biography of Queen ElizabethEven though she was unwanted by her father, King Henry VIII, Elizabeth managed to overcome obstacles and become one of the greatest female rulers most powerful of its time. Some of his accomplishments were defeating the Spanish armada, restoring peace between Catholics and Protestants, and leading England to prosperity (Ross 146). The period of his reign, from fifteen hundred and fifty eight to sixteen hundred and three, is often called the "Golden Age", because it was the most constructive period in English history. The English court became the center of writers, musicians and scholars. She was also the first English monarch to reach seventy years of age (http://www.havrgal.on.ca/htmlpages/intranet/). She was the Virgin Queen and her brother called her "Sweet Sister Temperance" (DQ Internet) because she was ladylike and well dressed. Behavior and manners were impeccable. She never married, although she used the promise of marriage to achieve her goals. She also screamed, cried, and did whatever was necessary to get her council to agree with her. Some say she was married to her country. She was highly sought after and had many suitors, none of whom seemed to interest her. The fact that she never married also led to England's first era of peace in years. No country would invade England with suitors from their country to try to marry Elizabeth. Elizabeth not marrying was unheard of, especially for a queen. Without a husband, she would have no children and therefore no heirs to her throne. King Henry VIII, Elizabeth's father, had six wives. Elizabeth's mother was Anne Boleyn, who was beheaded after failing to give birth to a son. Henry wanted a son, so he... middle of paper... took care of foreign affairs. She led her army against the Spanish Armada and brought England out of recession and into prosperity and wealth. Her determination, patience and willpower made her a great leader and she will forever be known as one of the greatest women, not only in English history but also in world history. Erickson, Carolly. The first Elizabeth. New York, New York Summit Books, 1983.2. Ross, Josephine. The Queen's Suitors.New York Coward, Mcann & Geoghegan Inc. 1975.3. Thomas, Jeanne. Behind the Mask, The Life of Queen Elizabeth. New York, New York. Claron Books. 1998.4. Sana. “The Achievements of Queen Elizabeth.” January 4, 2000: available online: http://www.havergal.on.ca./htmlpages.intranet5. “The Lady Elizabeth.” January 6, 2000: available online: http://www.bangor,ac.uk/%7ehipolc/earlyears.htm.