Power...

Much of Elizabeth's power was because she was female. She needed her subjects to love and adore her. Every summer, Elizabeth travelled the country to make her presence a reality.  Peasants could see what she looked like, dressed like, and perhaps even have the opportunity to speak with her. 

Elizabeth saved her power by choosing not to marry. Many wanted her hand in matrimony-powerful men from France, Spain, and Germany; as well as many English noblemen.  She would have had to be obedient to any man she married.

Elizabeth was sure no husband would be able to put England’s needs before his own, so she played each man for the biggest benefit of England, somehow finding a way to let each man down without enough hard feelings to wage war on her country.

She became known as the Virgin Queen-a selfless woman who sacrificed her own happiness to marry her nation.