Question 13

Mary I was the only non-Protestant among the listed monarchs.

Mary I is the exception among the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century English monarchs listed, as she was a devout Catholic who sought to restore Catholicism in England during her reign.

A) Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I was a Protestant monarch who established the Anglican Church and was known for her efforts to solidify Protestantism in England. Her reign is characterized by the Elizabethan Religious Settlement, which aimed to unify the country under a Protestant faith.

B) James I

James I was also a Protestant, succeeding Elizabeth I and continuing her policies. He is well-known for commissioning the King James Version of the Bible, which reflects Protestant beliefs and further established the Protestant identity of England.

C) Mary I

Mary I, unlike the other monarchs listed, was a staunch Catholic who attempted to revert England back to Catholicism after the Protestant reforms of her father, Henry VIII, and her half-brother, Edward VI. Her reign is often remembered for the persecution of Protestants, earning her the nickname "Bloody Mary."

D) William III

William III was a Protestant who came to the throne during the Glorious Revolution, which ensured the dominance of Protestantism in England. His reign marked a significant shift in power that favored Protestant interests and curtailed the influence of Catholicism.

Conclusion

Mary I stands out as the only Catholic monarch among the options, while Elizabeth I, James I, and William III were all Protestant leaders who played significant roles in shaping the religious landscape of England. The other options do not fit the criteria of the question, confirming that C is definitively the correct choice.