Summarize how Elizabeth rises to the throne

Soon after Elizabeth was born her father Henry VIII divorced her mother Anne Boleyn. Anne was then executed because she couldn't produce the heir that Henry wanted. After the death of Henry, Elizabeth's half brother Edward became king. He was very young so a council had to make his decisions. Edward was very ill and soon died. After his death Elizabeth's half sister Mary took the throne. Her reign didn't last very long either. Mary didn't have any children to secede her. She soon died and finally Elizabeth took the throne in 1558 at the age of 25 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I).

Elizabeth later in her rein writes a speack in which she shows how opposed she is to marrage. She writes "Concerning Marriage, which ye so earnestly move me to, I have been long since perswaded, that I was sent into this world by God to think and doe those things chiefly which may tend to his Glory. Hereupon have I chosen that kind of life which is most free from the troublesome Cares of this world, that I might attend the Service of God alone" (http://englishhistory.net/tudor/eliz1-writings.html). She believes that God has brought her to this position for a purpose and she is going to do everything she can to serve that purpose.

Source:

“Elizabeth I of England." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 11 May 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_I.

"Elizabeth I: Poetry." EnglishHistory.net. Web. 12 May 2010. http://englishhistory.net/tudor/eliz1-writings.html.

Picture Source:

"File:Elizabeth I. Procession Portrait (detail).jpg." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Web. 11 May 2010. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Elizabeth_I._Procession_portrait_(detail).jpg.