2.3 - The Outbreak Of War With Spain, 1585–88 Flashcards
Why was Elizabeth reluctant to help the situation in the Netherlands?
- She wanted to avoid anything that would lead to war with spain
- If she took direct action supporting Dutch Protestant rebels against their lawful monarch, Philip II might do the same with his Catholic rebels in England
- Spain would have the backing of the pope, which could encourage English Catholics to welcome a Spanish invasion
- The pope’s backing means that France, as a Catholic nation, could side with Spain
- It would be too costly and England’s finances are not as strong as Spains
What happened in the 1570s?
In the 1570’s, Elizabeth offered the promise of a marriage alliance with the heir to the french throne, the Duke of Alçenon. She hoped to alarm Philip II of Spain enough to give the Dutch their independence back when it didn’t, she used her influence with the Duke of Alçenon to encourage him to fight the Spanish in the Netherlands.However, this was a risky Strategy as Elizabeth did not want the French to be too successful in case they took control of the Netherlands themselves
What was the Spanish Fury?
Where Spains forces finally mutinied after months without pay, rampaging through Dutch provinces and finally sacking Antwerd in November 1576.
What was the Pacification of Ghent?
The violence in Atwerp united all 17 Dutch provinces, protestant and Catholic together against spain. They drew up the Pacification of Ghent which demanded:
- All Spanish troops were to be expelled from the Netherlands
- The restoration of political autonomy
- An end to religious persecution
Why had England become directly involved in the Netherlands by 1585? (Elizabeth’s actions)
- Hired a mercenary (John Casmir) and financed him to raise an army of 6,000 English and Scottish volunteers to help the Dutch
- Elizabeth hesitated in intervening with the Dutch directly which made the Dutch ask France for more. Duke of Alcenon agreed
- Elizabeth helped the Duke of Alcenon by donating £70,000 for support of the Netherlands (with the promise of more later)
Why had England become directly involved in the Netherlands by 1585? (Events beyond her control)
- Duke of Parma sent by Philip I,far more effective leader than Don Juan and Spanish gain upper hand 1579
- In 1580, Philip gained Portugal, along with it’s empire and naval forces.Spain stronger and more wealth gained
- 10th June 1584, Duke of Alcenon was killed and one month later 10th July,Wiliam of Orange, Leader of Dutch Protestant rebels was assassinared
- At the end of 1584, the French Catholic League signed the treaty of Joville with Phillip II to secure help against French protestants
Timeline of the England,Spain, Dutch Revolt
1576 - Spanish fury and Pacification of Grent worsened the situation in Netherland
1577 - Elizabeth hires an army lad by John Casmir to help the Dutch
1579- Dure of Parma’s military leadership gave the upper hand in Netherlands
1584 - Deaths of Duke of Algenon and William of Orange gave the Spanish a further boost in the Netherlands
1584 - Treaty of Joinville united Catholic France and Spain as allies against Protestantism
1585 - Treaty of Nonsuch - Elizabeth finally agreed to provide assistance to Dutch rebels - effectively put England and Spain at War.
What happened on October 1585 in England’s conflict with Spain?
Drake raids Spanish New World settlements with the aim of disrupting Phillip I’s flow of resource and finances, instead of deterring Phillip it instead angered him. Philip told the Pope he intended to invade England at the end of 1585.
What happened on January 1586 in England’s conflict with Spain?
Robert Dudley (Earl Of Leicester) accepted the title of Governor General of the Netherlands on Elizabeth’s behalf. Elizabeth was furious implying that she was deposing Phillip II as King of Netherlands
What happened in Summer 1586 in England’s conflict with Spain?
English forces only manage to slow the Duke of Parma’s advance through the Netherlands
What happened in September 1586 in England’s conflict with Spain?
English forces took control of ports outside the Spanish controlled town of Zutphen.
What happened on January 1587 in England’s conflict with Spain?
English lost the Zutphen Port . Then given to the Spanish, after this, the Dutch found it hard to trust Robert Dudley (Earl Of Leicester), especially because he had appointed Stanley, who gave the port to Spain
What happened at the end of 1587 in England’s conflict with Spain?
Elizabeth recalled Robert Dudley (Earl Of Leicester) from the Netherlands for good, this meant the English campaign in the Netherlands failed
What was the main reason for the failure of the English campaign?
The main reason for failure of the English campaign was that Elizabeth was never fully behind the rebels. She still hoped to negotiate with Spain and did not give Leicester the funds necessary to mount a large campaign.
How was the Raid of Cadiz so significant and impactful?
The Raid on Cadiz in 1587 was so significant as Francis Drake sailed into the Cadiz harbour, Spain’s most important Atlantic port and over three days he destroyed 30 ships as well as a great deal of fleets.
