The divide between the two religions grew substantially more dangerous from the laws and expectations that the two different highly-powered individuals had.  The “favored” religion was taught in schools and was commonly seen as the overall “correct” way to live.  Not following the “correct” religion would lead one to face punishment, like torture or execution.  Following the wrong religion could bring “risks to personal wealth, freedom and life”(Religion…).  Most common people who adhered to Catholicism were deeply unpleased with this way of living and even planned to overthrow the queen and replace her with Mary Queen of Scots.  However, these plans ironically led to Queen Mary’s execution.  Overall, religion was a deeply important part of European civilization that drastically affected the lives of everyone in society.

Clunie, Aurelia. “Religion in Elizabethan England.” Hartford Stage, www.hartfordstage.org/stagenotes/hamlet/elizabethan-era.