Challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad 1569-88: The Spanish Armada

Question 1

Religious reasons for Phillip II to launch the Spanish Armada

Answer 1

• Phillip II, devout catholic, already failed in plots to depose Elizabeth. Armada and invasion gave another opportunity to place catholic on throne
• Papacy wanted Elizabeth overthrown since her excommunication 1570
• Pope promised absolution (forgiveness of sins) to those taking part in armada

Question 2

Ways Phillip II was provoked to launch Spanish Armada

Answer 2

• Drake’s actions in New World threatened Spanish comercial interests
• Elizabeth’s support for Dutch rebels challenged Spanish interests there

Question 3

How changing circumstances encouraged Phillip II to launch the Spanish Armada

Answer 3

• Spain acquired Portugal 1580, gave Phillip II access to portuguese ports and ships
• Duke of Parma’s success in Netherlands since 1579 meant Spain secure in Netherlands
• Elizabeth’s hesitation to fully back Dutch Rebels sign of weakness

Question 4

Political and diplomatic reasons for Phillip II to have launched Spanish Armada

Answer 4

• Treaty of Joinville 1584 meant Spain could attack England without risk of war with France
• Treaty of Nonsuch 1585 meant English soldiers at war with Spain, justified Armada
• England would be good addition to Spanish empire giving complete control of Atlantic

Question 5

Phillip II’s invasion strategy

Answer 5

• Phillip ordered Armada (130 ships and 2431 guns) to sail along English Channel to Netherlands
• Ships would join forces with Spanish troops under Duke of Parma transporting 27000 troops to Kent
• Spanish army would attack London, end Elizabeth’s reign and establish new Catholic government

Question 6

English tactics

Answer 6

• For invasion to succeed Spanish needed control of English Channel to support Parma’s troops to England
• Vital that English Navy disrupt Spanish Shipping, Spain had bigger and better army than English and were likely to defeat them if landed in Kent

Question 7

Why Armada was a big threat

Answer 7

If Armada succeeded Elizabeth would lose throne and potentially life. For English protestants, including Privy Councilers, meant restoration of catholicism and persecution of protestants. For many, war with Spain life and death struggle to preserve religion and lives.

Question 8

Events of the Spanish armada

Answer 8

1588:
* 29 July- Armada spotted in English Channel
* 31 July- battle of Plymouth. 2 Spanish ships captured
* 3-4 August- Battle of Isle of Wight. Spanish ships outgunned by English, forced to move further up channel towards Calais
* 8 August- Battle of Gravelines. Fireships cause Spanish to panic. Spanish fleet never linked up with Duke of Parma and scattered

Question 9

Communication problems for the Spanish Armada

Answer 9

• no communication between Duke of Parma and Duke of Medina Sidonia.
• No deep-water ports. Dutch rebels possessed Ostend, meant Armada couldn’t stop at ports in Netherlands, had to meet up with Duke of Parma’s army who were on many smaller ships, made communication difficult
• Led to English Victory

Question 10

Results of English ships being better armed and equipped than Spanish Armada

Answer 10

In English ships, cannons mounted on smaller gun carraiges than Spanish ships. meant could be reloaded and fired faster than Spanish cannons. Damaged amny Spanish ships undermining chances of linking up with Duke of Parma and invading England

Question 11

Results of The Spanish Armada panicking

Answer 11

Key point seems to be Battle of Gravelines where English used fireships. Many Spanish captains panicked, cut anchors and allowed ships to drift into North Sea

Question 12

Results of the Weather on Spanish Armada

Answer 12

Gale force winds caused most destruction to the Spanish ships as returning home. Many destroyed off west of Ireland

Question 13

Results of English tactics being Superior to Spanish Armada’s

Answer 13

• English got close enough to fire on them but far enough to prevent Spanish sailors and Soldiers boarding. Destroyed and damaged many Spanish ships while English losses minimal
• Drake’s use of fireships at Battle of gravelines caused Spanish to panic

Question 14

Results of Spanish ships lacking supplies for a long voyage

Answer 14

Spanish fleet at sea for 10 weeks, by early August food rotted. damaged Spanish morlae and ability to fight English

Question 15

how the English navy was strengthened after the Spanish Armada

Answer 15

Defeat of Armada showed strength of English Navy. boosted English confidence to explore and encouraged English merchants to trade with Europe

Question 16

How Elizabeth’s authority was enhanced after Spanish Armada

Answer 16

Queen took centre stage at a victory parade in London. Elizabeth portrayed herself as military victor. reflected in portraits during later parts of reign

Question 17

How defeat of Spanish Armada caused stronger alliances in Europe

Answer 17

Anglo-Dutch alliance strengthened. Protestantism in Netherlands survived, strengthening protestant cause in Europe. meant England had protestant allies in Europe, no longer isolated

Question 18

How protestant cause grew stronger in England after Spanish Armada

Answer 18

Victory of English ‘underdog’ suggested God on protestant side. commemorative medal struck, said ‘God blew and they were scattered’. May have persuaded some Englishmen who wavered between protestantism and catholicism to accept protestant rule

Question 19

Consequences of English Victory over Spanish Armada for Spain

Answer 19

• Defeat of Armada major military and financial setback for Phillip II
• However, Spain’s war with England continued for remainder of Elizabeth’s reign
• Spanish prestige broken. Other countries more willing to challenge Spain’s power. led to gradual decline of Spanish Empire