Elizabethan England: Sir Francis Drake Flashcards
When did Francis Drake circumnavigate the globe?
December 1577- September 80
Why did Drake circumnavigate the globe? (3)
• main purpose was to raid Spanish colonies in the Pacific as relations with Spanish was declining at the time: he did not aim to sail around the world
• Revenge: the Spanish had attacked Drake’s fleet at St Juan de Ulua - his fleet was devasted, 325 men were killed and only 15 men return home
• Profit: great profits to be made from the journey into the Americas and people were willing to invest in the expedition, including Elizabeth
What was the significance of Drake’s circumnavigation around the globe?
IN TERMS OF :
England’s reputation as a seafaring power increasing
Drake’s crew was only the second crew in history to achieve this feat. This was a great boost to English morale and established the reputation of English ships and sailors being among the finest in the world.
What was the significance of Drake’s circumnavigation around the globe?
IN TERMS OF :
Nova Albion
drake was able to claim a region in California and named it Noval Albion and declared Elizabeth I to be its sovereign. this encouraged further trade and exploration, especially to the new world, where colonies were established
What was the significance of Drake’s circumnavigation around the globe?
IN TERMS OF :
Declining relations with Spain
• brought England conflict with the pope who had awarded North America to Spain. Phillip was angry that Drake attacked American colonies.
- Phillip was even angrier when Elizabeth knighted Drake in the Golden hind as he saw Drake as a pirate and Elizabeth provocative actions as scandalous
what did Drake do during his west indies expedition in 1570-71?
captured numerous of Spanish ships and stole their cargo
when was Drake hired as a privateer by Elizbeth and what did he do that year?
In 1572, Drake went to Panama and captured £40,000 of Spanish silver
What did Drake do in November 1577?
Drake sets off to the new world to go to the tip of South America and bring back gold, silver, spices and any other valuables to England.
What did Drake bring back to England when he finished circumnavigating in 1580?
£400,000 (in tudor times) of Spanish treasure
Outline the significance of Drake’s circumnavigation around the globe?
• England’s reputation as a seafaring power increased
• claimed an English territory in the Americas and named it Nova Albion
• declining relations with the Spanish
• boosted the crown’s finances at a time of growing concern over Spain’s threat to England
