1533-1603 England

Through skilled diplomacy, uncommon wisdom, and unparalleled charisma, the brilliant and beloved “Virgin Queen” Elizabeth brought religious peace to England during the worst days of Protestant-Catholic conflict. And, with minor exceptions, she maintained military peace with other nations during those treacherous times during which Western European countries were incessantly vying for control of the New World, and each other. She also inspired extraordinary achievements by many of her most famous and loyal subjects—from Sir Francis Drake to William Shakespeare.

“To stay in the presence of conflict without flinching, without reaching for the weapon, without signing the order of execution, without agreeing to the marriage takes real courage.”