This paper explains that the need to protect 25-year-old Elizabeth's homeland profoundly influenced her decisions to commit
the Crown to the completion of the
colonization of Ireland. The author points out the vitriol between Spain and England was further exacerbated by the Pope excommunicating Elizabeth in 1570. This
paper states that Queen Elizabeth was an unsurpassed model of a learned, intelligent woman who proved that a queen could rule and rule triumphantly. Table of Contents Introduction Thesis The Financial Burden of Ireland on the Crown Financial Details of Ireland and Elizabeth's Government Religious Issues in the Elizabethan Period Ireland's Allies and England's Enemies Conclusion