ave refused to convert to Catholicism and would then probably have been executed; instead she chose to save herself and as a result save her country the possibility of a terrible civil war over religion. She chose the utilitarian path of doing the greatest good for the greatest number.
At the death of Mary in 1558, Elizabeth became queen, beginning one of the greatest reigns in English history. At the time of Elizabeth's accession, England was torn by religious strife, was economically insecure, and was involved in a disastrous war with France. To these problems Elizabeth brought her thorough education, innate shrewdness, and a skill i
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