Mary Queen Of Scots: An Exceptional Monarch

Mary Stuart is known as one of the most tragic queens in history. She was the first and only child of James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. Six days after her birth in December 1542, her father died, leaving her as queen. She was sent to live in France where later she married the Dauphin Francis in 1558. Henry II’s death in 1559 meant that she was queen of France, as well as Scotland. Sadly, Francis died of an ear infection in 1560, leaving Mary as a widow at 18, which is hen she decided to return to Scotland and take her chances with the Protestant reformers. Unfortunately, Mary Queen of Scots can not be considered as an exceptional monarch when she is known for her tragic life, not for her political skills. Mary does not fit Machiavelli’s

Worse, she practiced a religion to which many of them had grown hostile.” (Lewis 23) Machiavelli says: “[…]When dominations are acquired in a region that is not similar in language, customs, and institutions, it is here that one needs much good luck and much diligence to hold on to them.” (Machiavelli 10) In these instances, he suggests to go live there and to establish colonies. He also emphasises the importance to deal with political problems before it is too late. Despite being Catholic, Mary Stuart tolerated the protestant presence believing that it was for the best interest of peace and stability in Scotland “that the Protestant status quo should be preserved, so long as she herself could worship in private the way

Her bad insight shows that she is not what Machiavelli would consider to be as cunning as a fox. The Queen of Scots thought she could rely on her cousin Queen Elizabeth because she believed they shared similar views when as a matter of fact, “Mary stood for an England ominously other than the one Elizabeth mirrored back.” (Lewis 21) Elizabeth had her differences with her cousin. The fact that Mary was catholic and close to the French threatened the stability of England and the fact that she was a menace to her reign in England intimated her. The Queen of Scots failed to see these differences that set them apart, in fact, she thought she could trust her because they were “both in one isle, both of one language, the nearest kinswoman that each other hand, and both queens”. (Whitelock) Elizabeth had made it clear that she did not share Mary’s goodwill towards her when she refused to acknowledge her as her heir, making clear that “she did not intend to nominate a successor, believing it would inspire disaffection against her.” (Whitelock) Yet Mary still went to her for protection which lead to her imprisonment, and later her execution. In short, Mary Stuart did not have the insight of a proficient ruler because she could not discern the intentions of Queen