Which English queen did the most for her country? Elizabeth I or Victoria?

Question

Both monarchs lent their names to the eras in which they ruled. Elizabeth managed to ward off the Spanish Armada. Victoria's empire spread everywhere, especially parts of Asia and Africa.

Which queen do you think did the most for England, both in a positive and negative manner?

This question came to me after I saw the "Elizabeth" movie (with Cate Blanchett) depicting the drama and the tension between Elizabeth's England and the Spanish empire of King Philip II (el rey Felipe Segundo).

I am curious to what people think. Also, in your opinion, who was the better monarch? Consider the time period as well as the politics of that time period. I don't want people changing my mind; this is a question out of curiousity. And if you think both monarchs served their country equally, then bring that up, too.

Answer 1

Elizabeth wins this distinction. Hers was a precarious time.
Elizabeth did well to keep her head and her throne, yet she also brought England to the world stage following in her father's footsteps and taking them further. {Henry VIII would have been very proud of his daughter}
Victoria's position was never threatened. Elizabeth had far more to deal with and more responsibility for decisions than Victoria. In Victoria's time, the monarch was essentially a figurehead. This was not so in the 1558 - 1603 "Elizabethan" period.
British friends on this site may argue against this, but I don't believe Victoria had much real power. Monarchs had been losing real power in Britain since the Glorious Revolution of 1688.
Victoria was queen when Britain achieved great things. Elizabeth achieved great things AS the queen of England - remember it was not Britain then, Scotland was separate.
Elizabeth was a truly amazing person for her time or any time.
As noted above, Elizabeth had to deal with a world that was almost entirely male dominated (though the same situation also existed in victoria's time).

Answer 2

First of all, if you want an accurate description of Elizabeth I, dont watch Elizabeth with Cate Blanchett...its a good movie, but it paints a pretty picture of a love story that NEVER happened. Elizabeth the first was an extremely strong ruler. You cant compare the two. Elizabeth I ruled in a man's world, and although she did manage to ward off the spanish armada, she did a lot of other amazing things. She made huge progress with foreign relations and was extremely smart in chosing her advisors. Victoria was also very progressive, she sent missionaries all over Asia and Africa, the story of King Mongkut of Siam (Thailand) and Anna Leonowens is a perfect example (the real one not the one "The King and I" and "Anna and the King" depict...believe me, there was NO love story there.). You ask a good question. They were both extremely progressive and both very smart rulers.

PS. If you want to watch a movie that portrays Elizabeth I accurately see if you can find the series "Elizabeth R". It is a six part play turned into a movie starring an actress named Glenda Jackson. It was made in the 70's. It is very well done and portrays the real Elizabeth beautifully. Trust me, I have a PhD in this branch of British History.

Answer 3

I think Elizabeth did more for the country in terms of reglious tolerance, although the proletariates (common folk) may disagree, Elizabeth was actually neutral in nature towards religion and didn't mind what people believed in. It was her ministers who weren't.

But Victoria did more for us in terms of grandure, she made sure people knew their position although her government did start the ball rolling for equality; 1890 Education Act - All children over the age of 7 must attend some educational establishment, at no cost to the child's family.

Answer 4

defiantly Elizabeth the 1st because her reign brought wealth and prosperity 2 England a.k.a. the Golden Age of England.

Answer 5

Elizabeth I for sure. She helped England become of the nation it is today.

Answer 6

are you kidding me they dont do nothing the people do all the doing.they dont give a **** about people like us.think about it what do the royals do for the soldiers families that get killed in iraq or afganistan nothing.i remember the falklans war my mates husband got killed.she was sent a medal .but it came in 3 pieces and for her to get them joined together it would have cost her £78.so she sent it back with a few chosen words and she never received another word from them

Answer 7

Victoria ushered in an era of unprecedented oppression. one we still have not gotten over. so who do you think was better?

Answer 8

I think Victoria was better.

Answer 9

I would say elesibeth

Answer 10

ELIZABETH