Date of Graduation

12-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in History (MA)

Degree Level

Graduate

Department

History

Advisor/Mentor

Dominguez, Freddy C.

Committee Member

Long, Mary B.

Second Committee Member

Daily, Ruby R.

Keywords

gender; dynastic marriage; Mary I; Elizabeth I; female monarchs; royal alliances

Abstract

My project will cover the role gender and dynastic marriage played in the reigns of Mary I of England Elizabeth I of England, and the differences they caused in their reigns compared to a reign of a male monarch. The historical question I am exploring is how Mary and Elizabeth’s gender impacted their reign by means of dynastic marriage. Marriage was important for the English royals as the prospect of marrying foreign royal created opportunities for alliances with other realms. Royal marriages were often arranged by the monarch, usually a king, for his children, especially his female children. Mary and Elizabeth were in a unique position in that they could choose their own husband despite their gender because they were in power. However, because they were women in a time where a woman’s purpose was to marry and have children, she was pressured by the men in her life to marry. This research is important as it helps us understand the complexities of Mary and Elizabeth’s reigns. In a time where women were limited in the decisions they could make on their own, Mary and Elizabeth were a unique position in which they could do so, not only for themselves, but for their country. This research also deepens our understanding of the role dynastic marriage played in the lives of English royals. Additionally, the marriage acted as an alliance, especially in the case of a marriage to a foreign royal.

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