Historian A: John Smith – Political Threat Perspective "John Smith argues that Mary Queen of Scots posed a significant political threat to Elizabeth I, which justified her execution. Smith emphasizes Mary's Catholic background, her involvement in secret plots, and her potential to rally Catholic factions within England. He suggests that Elizabeth had little choice but to eliminate Mary to secure her throne, viewing the plots as a direct challenge to Elizabeth's authority and stability of the kingdom. Smith's interpretation underlines the political necessity of Elizabeth's actions to maintain her rule."

Historian B: Mary Johnson – Personal and Religious Conflict Perspective "Mary Johnson presents a view that the plots were driven more by personal and religious conflict than a direct threat. She highlights Mary's desire to regain her position and her religious loyalty to Catholicism, which conflicted with Elizabeth's Protestant rule. Johnson argues that the plots were partly fabricated or exaggerated by Elizabeth's government to justify her decision to execute Mary. She emphasizes the importance of religious tensions and personal motivations behind the events, rather than solely political considerations."