The last years of Elizabeth

The political condition of England by 1603

Overall, Elizabeth had enjoyed an effective government during the majority of her reign.
This was largely due to the stability of the Elizabethan goverment. However, there was a decline in royal authority and the quality of administration (the laws being passed). One of the reasons for this revolved around the issue of succession. The fact that Elizabeth refused to name an heir made people anxious. A second reason is due to the factions and rivalries of the Privy Council members.
Though, despite the Essex Rebellion, political unity had been achieved by 1603.
Some historians maintain that the Queen ruled too long and in terms of politics, she made some mistakes in the last years of her reign - she seemed out of touch with her subjects, especially the younger generation. So, if it hadn't been for these later years, her reign would have been flawless. She became more arrogant and less willing to negotiate in these later years.

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Overall, historians maintain that England had experienced considerable economic continuity during the 16th century. The economic circumstances of later British domination were planted in Elizabeth's reign e.g. the seeds of trade.
Industries, such as nail making, hosiery, soap, brewing and building, all flourished. England in the 1800s is this massive industrial power and this is all set up in Elizabeth's reign.
A little bit like politics, the economy had issues of poverty but overall, it was stable.

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This area was not as cohesive and England remained socially divided.
Wealth and social classes were still dominant and there was a massive difference between the living standards of the different sections of society.
There were periods when Elizabethan society was on the verge of breaking down, but constraints stopped this from happening.

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Compared to the beginning of her reign, the religion of England was favourable. The level of Catholicsm had declined and the majority of Catholics were loyal to the Crown. The Church of England was an organised institution and the Puritan challenge had faded away.
The surroundings (clergymen, people who ran the church, royal injunctions etc.) ensured a substantial degree of religious unity.
The state of religion by 1603 was probably one of Elizabeth's biggest success stories, especially when compared to continental Europe.

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