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Why was Mary executed? (Mary posed the biggest, most powerful and most…
Why was Mary executed?
Mary posed the biggest, most powerful and most long term threat to Elizabeth's throne, being of blood and catholic descent, meaning she naturally gained quite a fanbase. She was continuously implicated in potential murder plots, but without tangible evidence (Until Babington Plot).
She was a mother, providing a clear and definite heir to the throne, whereas Elizabeth refused most hands in marriage.
She was already next in line, which caused many to already like Mary, knowing she would be the eventual next heir.
The country was still split into Protestants and Catholics. The Catholics would rather have Mary as a Catholic monarch.
WHY WAS THIS IMPORTANT
It was a catalyst and underlying reason for the execution initially. If Mary wasn't a long term problem and eventual heir, she would likely not have been a problem to Elizabeth.
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She was a threat and a potential deal breaker in the Religious Settlement and the general idea of Protestantism.
Mary was very public of her firm Catholic beliefs and it was no doubt that the Religious Settlement and Protestantism would crumble at her coronation.
Mary seemed to attract angry, extremist and crazy Catholics who would attempt to hatch plots against the Queen to put Mary in her place. Her existence gave the Catholics hope.
Her idealistic Catholicism and bravery beckoned alliances and potential invasions from France and Spain (Ridolfi Plot, Throckmorton Plot), putting the entire of England in danger.
WHY WAS THIS IMPORTANT
Her existence reeked havoc among Elizabeth's monarchy and way of life. Mary's living meant potential civil wars, invasions and anarchy. It was a major catalyst for her execution and therefore was important.
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The large majority of the Privy Council and Parliament were devote Protestants. Naturally, all reactions and opinions of Mary were negative and, being Elizabeth's advisors, caused Elizabeth to be more harsh on Mary.
The Privy council was incessantly nagging Elizabeth to put Mary on trial for treason which eventually worked out.
The Bond of Association was made in 1584 where any who attempted to remove or plot to kill Elizabeth would instantaneously be executed. It was obviously aimed at Mary and served as a deterrent, since they didn't like her.
The Privy council were ultimately working in their own favour. They knew if one of Mary's plots were successful as a result of leniency on Elizabeth's side, they would lose all status and power.
WHY WAS THIS IMPORTANT
Elizabeth was torn between family and politics, it was natural human instinct to not want to murder your own blood yet Mary had continuously stepped on Elizabeth's toes and pushed the boundaries.
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