It gave the island kingdom an enormous advantage in
the coming struggle for colonial possessions. It assured England
a leadership in international affairs which that country
has maintained until the present day. Not even the disastrous
adventure with the Stuarts was able to stop this normal development.
The Stuarts, who succeeded the Tudors, were ``foreigners''
in England. They do not seem to have appreciated or understood
this fact. The native house of Tudor could steal a horse,
but the ``foreign'' Stuarts were not allowed to look at the
bridle without causing great popular disapproval. Old Queen
Bess had ruled her domains very much as she pleased. In
general however, she had always followed a policy which meant
money in the pocket of the honest (and otherwise) British
merchants. Hence the Queen had been always assured of the
wholehearted support of her grateful people. And small liberties
taken with some of the rights and prerogatives of Parliament
were gladly overlooked for the ulterior benefits which
were derived from her Majesty's strong and successful foreign
policies.
Outwardly King James continued the same policy. But he
lacked that personal enthusiasm which had been so very typical
of his great predecessor. Foreign commerce continued to be
encouraged. The Catholics were not granted any liberties.
But when Spain smiled pleasantly upon England in an effort
to establish peaceful relations, James was seen to smile back.
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