Elizabeth I & the Relationship with Spain Flashcards
How was the relationship with Catholic Spain in the early years of Elizabeth’s reign?
Friendly, despite Elizabeth being Protestant.
When did war break out with Spain?
1585.
What factors contributed to the outbreak of war with Spain? (7)
Religion.
Marriage rejection.
Piracy.
Civil war in France.
Spain supported Catholic plots.
Execution of Mary Queen of Scots
The Dutch Netherlands.
Why did religious differences lead to war?
Spain was a Catholic country and England a Protestant country – meaning that the two rulers had conflicting spiritual outlooks.
Why did marriage rejection help lead to war? (2)
King Philip of Spain had been married to Elizabeth’s sister, Mary I.
When Mary died, he offered to marry Elizabeth but she rejected him.
Why did piracy help lead to war? (2)
English sailors like Hawkins and Drake attacked and stole treasure from Spanish ships in the New World.
King Philip II was furious but Elizabeth encouraged and rewarded adventurers.
Why did civil war in France help lead to war? (3)
France was the traditional enemy of both England and Spain, meaning that they united together against the country.
Now France was in civil war it was preoccupied with its own issues and no longer posed a threat.
Therefore, the alliance between Spain and England was not necessary anymore.
Why did Spain supporting Catholic plots help lead to war?
There was evidence of Spanish support for plots to restore Catholicism to England, particularly involving getting the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots on the throne.
How did Elizabeth’s support of the Dutch Revolt help lead to war? (4)
Protestants in the Netherlands began a revolt against Spanish rule in 1572.
Elizabeth secretly supported the Dutch rebels because she knew the Dutch revolt would keep the Spanish too busy to threaten England.
Elizabeth sent an army to help the Dutch rebels fight Spain.
For the first time English and Spanish armies were fighting each other.
