Lesson start ideas	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	History
What age group	Year or Grade 10
What topic	What problems did elizabeth I face as a female ruler
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Imagine you are in the year 1558. A woman has just ascended to England's throne, becoming the first female monarch to rule the country on her own: Queen Elizabeth I. As you may already know, Elizabeth I was one of the most successful and influential monarchs in British history, but her reign was not without challenges. In this lesson, we will explore the difficulties and obstacles that Elizabeth I faced as a female ruler during the Tudor era in England.

Engage: Historical Context and Discussion

Before we delve into the specific challenges that Elizabeth I encountered, let's first examine the larger historical context of her reign. In small groups, discuss some of the following questions:

• Who was Elizabeth I and what is her place in history?
• What was life like for women during the Tudor era?
• Why do you think a woman monarch was such a rare occurrence in this time period?

After the group discussion, we will come back together as a class to share our thoughts and explore further.

Explore: The Difficulties of Female Rule

Now that we have a better understanding of the historical context, let's dive into the challenges that Elizabeth I faced as a female ruler.

Based on your knowledge of history and the information provided in this lesson, compile a list of potential problems that Elizabeth I may have encountered during her reign. Some examples include:

• Resistance from male advisors and politicians who did not believe women were fit to rule
• Concerns about marriage and succession, as both male and female heirs posed potential threats and challenges to the stability of the monarchy
• Difficulties in navigating international politics and building alliances with other countries as a female leader
• Constant scrutiny and criticism of her appearance, demeanor, and behavior as a woman in power

After your group has compiled the list, we will come back together as a class to share and discuss our findings.

Conclusion: Reflection and Looking Ahead

As we wrap up this lesson, take a moment to reflect on what you have learned about the challenges of female rule during Elizabeth I's reign. Why do you think it was so difficult to be a female ruler in this time period? What lessons can we learn from Elizabeth I's example and apply to our lives today?

Next time, we will explore how Elizabeth I overcame the challenges she faced and emerged as one of England's most legendary monarchs.