First blast of the trumpet against the monstruous regiment of women

The "First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstruous Regiment of Women" was a pamphlet written by John Knox in 1558. In this work, Knox argued vehemently against the idea that women should rule, asserting that it contradicted both natural law and religious doctrine. He directed his criticism at the female rulers of England, France, and Scotland at the time.

This publication caused significant controversy, particularly with the accession of the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I of England, who subsequently barred Knox from her realm. John Aylmer, an Anglican bishop, wrote a response titled "An Harborowe for Faithfull and Trewe Subjectes" in 1559, defending the right of women to rule, especially in the context of the Protestant Queen Elizabeth I's reign.