2.4 - The Armada Flashcards
Why did Philip launch the Spanish Armada?
- Religous conflict
- Politics and diplomacy
- Acts of provocation
- Changing circumstances
What religious conflict caused Phillip to launch the Armada?
- Phillip II was a devout Catholic and had already failed plots against Elizabeth. The Armada gave him another opportunity to remove her and place a Catholic on the English throne.
- The papacy had wanted to overthrow Elizabeth since excommunicating her in 1570.
- The pope promised absolution (forgiveness of sins) to those taking part in the Armada.
What acts of provocation caused Phillip to launch the Armada?
- Drake’s actions in the New World Order which threatened Spanish commercial interests.
- Elizabeth’s support for Dutch rebels challenged Spanish interests there.
How was politics and diplomacy a reason for Phillip to launch the Armada?
- The Treaty of Joinville (1584) meant Spain could attack England without risking war with France.
- The Treaty of Nonsuch (1585) meant English soldiers were at war with Spain, so Phillip could justify attacking England.
- England would be a useful addition to the Spanish empire, as it would give Spain complete control of the Atlantic.
What were the changing circumstances that led to Phillip launching the Armada?
- Spain acquired Portugal in 1580, giving Philip access to Portuguese ships and ports.
- Duke of Parma’s success in the Netherlands since 1579 meant Spain’s position there was secure.
- Elizabeth’s hesitation to fully back Dutch rebels was a sign of weakness and encouraged Philip II to attack.
What was Phillip II’s strategy to invade England?
- Phillip ordered the Armada (130 ships) to sail along the English Channel to the Netherlands.
- From there, the ships would join forces with Spanish troops under the Duke of Parma and transport 27,000 troops to Kent.
- The Spanish army would then attack London, end Elizabeth’s reign and establish a new Catholic government.
What were the tactics utilised by the Spanish?
- For the invasion to succeed, the Spanish needed control of the English Channel to transport Parma’s troops to England.
- Vital that the English Navy disrupt Spanish shipping, as the Spanish had a larger and better army than the English and were likely to defeat them if they landed successfully in Kent.
Why was the Armada such a threat?
- If Armada succeeded, Elizabeth could lose her throne and possibly her life.
- For English Protestants, a successful invasion meant the restoration of Catholicism in England and the persecution of Protestants.
When did the Armada attack?
1588
What happened to the Armada of 1588?
29 July - the Armada is spotted in the English Channel.
31 July - Battle of Plymouth. Two Spanish ships captured.
3-4 August - Battle of the Isle of Wight. Spanish ships outgunned by the English and forced to move further up the channel towards Calais.
8 August - Battle of Gravelines. Fireships cause the Spanish to panic. The Spanish fleet never link up with the Duke of Parma and is scattered.
What were the main reasons for the English victory - Spanish flaws?
- Communication problems : no communication between the Duke of Parma and the Duke of Medina Sidonia; there were no deep-water ports in the Netherlands the Spanish had control of. So, Spanish Armada could not stop at any ports in the Netherlands , but had to meet up with the Duke of Parma’s army at sea which made communications very difficult.
- Spanish fleets lacked supplies and provisions for a long voyage : Spanish fleet at sea for 10 weeks and the food had rotted. This damaged Spanish morale and their ability to fight.
- The Spanish panicked. At the Battle of Gravelines the English used fireships. Many Spanish captains panicked and allowed their ships to drift into the North Sea.
What were the main reasons for English victory - English strengths?
- English ships better armed and equipped. Cannons were mounted on smaller gun carriages which meant they could be reloaded and fired more quickly than Spanish cannons. This damaged many Spanish ships and undermined their chances of linking up with the Duke of Parma and invading England.
- English tactics superior : English got close enough to the Spanish to fire on them, but stayed far away enough to prevent Spanish soldiers from boarding. This destroyed and damaged a number of Spanish ships while ensuring that English losses were minimal.
- English tactics superior: Drake’s use of fireships at the Battle of Gravelines caused the Spanish to panick.
What were the main reasons for English victory - other reasons?
- Weather: Gale force winds caused most of the destruction to the Spanish ships as they retreated home. Many Spanish ships were destroyed off the west of Ireland.
What were the consequences of the English victory for England?
- English navy strengthened. Defeat of the Armada showed the strength of the English Navy which boosted English confidence to explore and encouraged English merchants to trade with Europe.
- Elizabeth’s authority enhanced. Elizabeth was able to portray herself as a military victor.
- Protestant cause stronger in England. Victory suggested that God was on the Protestant side. A commemorative medal was struck that said “God blew and they were scattered”.
- Foreign policy : stronger alliances in Europe. The Anglo Dutch alliance was strengthened. Protestantism in the Netherlands survived, strengthening the Protestant cause in Europe. England no longer isolated as it had Protestant allies.
What were the consequences of the English victory for Spain?
- The defeat of the Armada was a major military and financial setback for Spain.
- However, Spain’s war with England continued for the rest of Elizabeth’s reign.
- Spanish prestige was broken. Other countries became more willing to challenge Spain’s power which led to the gradual decline of the Spanish empire.
