Elizabeth: causes of war with spain Flashcards
describe the events leading up to Elizabeth signing the Treaty of Nonsuch
- in 1581, Protestant rebels in the Netherlands declared independence from Spain and established a Dutch republic. Elizabeth gave limited financial help to the rebels, but was reluctant to provoke Philip ii by getting directly involved
- In 1584 the rebel leader, William the Silent, was assassinated, and the Dutch revolt was in danger of being defeated. Elizabeth decided to give direct assistance to the rebels - in 1585 she signed the Treaty of Nonsuch, which placed the Netherlands under her protection and promised military assistance
what 4 reasons lead to Elizabeth signing the Treaty of Nonsuch?
- religious reasons
- commercial reasons
- military reasons
- strategic reasons
what religious reasons led to Elizabeth signing the Treaty of Nonsuch?
Elizabeth wanted to protect Dutch Protestantism and prevent Philip forcing Catholicism on the Netherlands
how did commercial reasons lead to Elizabeth signing the Treaty of Nonsuch?
The Netherlands’ ports were essential entry points into Europe for most English exports
how did military reasons lead to Elizabeth signing the Treaty of Nonsuch?
if the rebels were defeated, Philip might use the Netherlands as a base for an invasion of England
how did strategic reasons lead to Elizabeth signing the Treaty of Nonsuch?
In 1584, Spain was seeking control of the French crown. If the Dutch rebels were also defeated, then Spain would control almost the entire Channel and Atlantic coasts of Europe
Why didn’t Elizabeth want to remove philip as ruler of the Netherlands? what did she want instead?
Because of her belief in the Divine Right, Elizabeth didn’t want to remove philip as ruler of the Netherlands. She just wanted to ensure freedom of worship for Dutch Protestants and protect England’s military, commercial and strategic interest
