-- 3rd point: positive contributions -- Despite the conflicts during her short reign, Mary accomplished many things that reformed England for the better. Considering Mary’s difficult past, it would be understandable if her reign had been a total disaster. Instead, according to O’Connor, she established and reestablished many hospitals, churches, and monasteries. She gave clergy members back their jobs, refrained from using severe punishments, fixed problems with England’s trade and money deficiency, and helped the poor. She also improved England’s navy and helped make charitable and welfare institutions in England (Weikel). Many of Mary’s positive contributions to England are incorrectly credited to Elizabeth, further proving that Mary was overshadowed by her and was not given credit for the things she accomplished (O’Connor). This led to her nickname “Bloody Mary” because people only saw the “bad” things that Mary was doing and completely ignored her accomplishments. Mary became unpopular for marrying the man she loved (Weikel), which is highly unjust. Marrying Philip partly started Wyatt’s rebellion, and instead of fleeing, as her advisors suggested, she stayed and made a speech to try to stop the rebellion. This “rallied the city to her cause, and the rebellion failed” (Weikel). Mary was passionate about her country, brave, generous, dignified, courageous, and even in intimidating situations, she was not cowardly. She was very smart, being fluent in at least three languages and knowing a small amount of Spanish. She played multiple instruments and was a talented musician (Michieli). Mary’s reign was very significant for England regarding her accomplishments. Mary was committed and dedicated to her country, initially creating “the line about being ‘married to her country’” (Wooding). She bettered England’s healthcare and trade systems, most of which have been incorrectly attributed to other rulers.
Note: if you would like to read the full paper, please read the studio "Maligned Mary" desc, which you can find below. :3
