5b) Explain why Elizabeth I faced

many problems when she became

Queen in 1558.

When Queen Elizabeth I was enthroned in 1558, she faced many serious challenges. In the first place, the kingdom's finances were in poor condition, limiting policy solutions; divisions and embitterment between Catholics and Protestants threatened social peace; there were other pretenders to the English throne such as Marie de Guise, queen of Scotland and a French noblewoman; Spain and France were lying in wait to gain decisive influence in England.