Elizabethen Foreign Affairs

Question 1

What was the plan for the Babington Plot, 1586?

Answer 1

• Elizabeth would be murdered.
• The Duke of Guise would invade England with 60,000 men.
• Mary Queen of Scots would be put on the throne.

Question 2

What were the events of Babington Plot, 1586?

Answer 2

• Anthony Babington sent a letter explaining the plot to MQS.
• However, MQS was being closely watched and letters intercepted by Sir Walsingham.
• Babington and accomplices were hanged, drawn and quarted.
• MQS was tried by the Privy Council and was found guilty and sentenced to death, as she had been involved in too many Plots.

Question 3

What was the significance of the Babington Plot?

Answer 3

1. It was the reason for Mary’s execution, ending the hope of replacing Elizabeth with a Catholic heir.
2. Elizabethks government became determined to crush Catholicism, over 300 catholics in north london and 31 priest were excecuted.
3. The plot was more significant and dangerous then previous plots as by 1585 relations between England and Spain had brocken down.

Question 4

What was the significance of Mary’s Execution?

Answer 4

1. Removed a key threat to Elizabeth and shows her new harsh treatment of Catholics.
2. Phillip II has no legitmate reason to invade England as there is no heir to put on the throne.
3. Annoys Phillip as she kills a Catholic.
4. Catholic plotter’s have no candidate to put on the throne, lost hope of a Catholic monarch.

Question 5

Why execute Mary Queen of Scots in 1587?

Answer 5

• In 1585 the Act for the Preservation of the Queens Safety was passed, which stated MQS was bored of to the succession of the throne.
• Also Spain were planning an Invasion of England which meant they had no English monarch to put on the throne.

Question 6

Why did Elizabeth want Explore the New World?

Answer 6

1. Money
2. New Technology
3. Ship Design
4. Adventure

Question 7

Why did exploration increase because of Money?

Answer 7

• English Merchants needed to look for more new trading opportunities as Spain had put a trade ban on UK from trading their wool (main export) through the Netherlands, which is how they sold it in Europe.
• English Merchants began to take part in the Slave Trade, and established the ‘triangular trade’, English Traders grew majorly rich.
• Reports from America suggested there was a of precious metals, crops (tobacco, animal skins.
• Spain were becoming very rich in Peru through silver mines and tobacco.

Question 8

Why did exploration increase because of New Technology?

Answer 8

• Quadrants and Astrolabes were becoming more accurate of the ships position, allowed for more accurate and longer voyages.
• Improved navigation and records of voyages led to more accurate maps and directions for other to follow.

Question 9

Why did exploration increase because of Ship Design?

Answer 9

New ships called Galleons were developed in the 16th Century, features were:

• Larger space leaving more room for supplies, essential for longer voyages.
• More room for cannons so could fend off pirates and the Spanish easier.
• More masts and sails allowed meant they were faster and more manouverable.
• Lower stern and bow meaning it was more stable in rough seas.

Question 10

Why did exploration increase because of Adventure?

Answer 10

• Elizbethens went on voyages for discovery and go down in history. Publish accounts of discoveries enticed people.
• Elizabeth wanted to create a even bigger empire.

Question 11

Why was Drake’s Circumnavigation significant

Answer 11

1. Set up England up as a Great Sea-Faring Nation
2. Foundation for future English exploration and Colonoes in the Americas.
3. Negative Impact on Anglo-Spanish relations.

Question 12

Why did Drake Circumnavigate the Globe?

Answer 12

• Main purpose to raid Spanish colonies in the pacific.
• Economic opportunities in the New World, made 500,000,000 pounds in todays money.
• Wanted revenge over the Spanish for the Spanish attack in 1567-8, were their fleet was destroyed and 325 sailors killed.

Question 13

Positive and Negative outcomes of Drakes Circumnavigation?

Answer 13

Positive- Raided Spanish ships, estimated 500,000,000 pounds in todays money.
Gathered lots of useful information about Americas.
Local Native Americans treated the English with great hospitality, future colony.

Negative- Lost 4 out of his 5 ships during the voyage.

Question 14

How did Drakes Circumnavigation set up England as a great Sea-Faring Nation?

Answer 14

• Great boost to English moral and established a reputation for English sailors, which was important as the growing fear that the Spanish would invade with their Armada.
• Drake and his crew were only the second people in history to complete the circumnavigation, so English Sailors got the reputation for the fines tin the world.
• Incredibly dangerous as he came back with one ship left and only 56 men.

Question 15

How did Drakes Circumnavigation set up the foundation of future English Adventure and Colonies in America?

Answer 15

• Drake gained a lot of information and kept records of his voyages, useful for future voyages to the Americas.
• Nova Albion (San Francisco), first colony created by Drake in the name of Elizabeth as a British Colony, encouraged other to travel and settle there.
• Native Americans rights were not considered, same approach would be used in future voyages.
• Sir Humfrey Gilbert, was inspired by Drake to voyage to the Americas in 1583.

Question 16

How did Drakes Circumnavigation have negative impact of Anglo-Spanish Relations?

Answer 16

• Attacking Spanish ships angered Phillip II, Drakes actions contributed to Phillip’s decision launch the Armada in 1588.
• Elizabeth knighted Drake on his ship the Golden Hind, sending a clear message to Phillip as he saw Drake as a pirate, this is provocative from Elizabeth.

Question 17

Why was establishing a Colony in Virginia important?

Answer 17

1. Opportunity to attack and undermine Spain.
2. Established the roots of the British Empire
3. Huge economic benefits for England.

Question 18

Why was Attacking Spain a signifcant reason for establishing a colony in Virginia?

Answer 18

• Base from attacking Spanish Colonies, as it was close enough to Florida and Carribean to attack, but far away to be reasonably safe from the Spanish.
• Long Term, it hoped Virginia to rival Spain’s overseas empire and it’s influence in the New World.
• Would offer the Native Americans an alternative to Spanish Dominiation, and hoped they would help and trade with the English instead.

Question 19

How was establishing the Roots of the British Empire a signifcant reason for establishing a colony in Virginia?

Answer 19

• It started first presence of the English in America.
• Eventhough Raleigh failed, his efforts provided an opportunity to learn from the mistakes they made.
• The British empire developed in the 18th and 19th century due to relighs experiments in new and foreign lands.

Question 20

How was Economical Benefits a signifcant reason for establishing a colony in Virginia?

Answer 20

• Elizabeth hoped it would encourage English Merchants to find new markets, which was needed as Spain had made trade in Europe increasingly difficult as the no longer use the Netherlands as a trade route.
• Virginia could suuply many things such as fruit, vines and spices, which were being supplied from the Mediterranean. This would decrease Englands dependance on other European Powers.
• Crops such as Tobacco, Sugar Cane were very expensive and could be grown there.

Question 21

What were the 4 reasons why the colonisation of Virginia failed?

Answer 21

1. The Voyage
2. The Colonists
3. Inexperience
4. Native American Resistance

Question 22

How was the Voyage a reason for the failure of Virginia?

Answer 22

• Arrived too late to grow crops and too humid so food rotted.
• Climate was very humid so men got disease easily.
• ‘Tiger Diaster’ a break in the hull meant salt water went into the ship and all the food was spoiled.

Question 23

How was the Colonists a reason for the failure of Virginia?

Answer 23

• Colonists were not ready for the hardships needed to start a quality, were promised to get rich quick.
• Brought too many soldiers and craftsmans, who were useless as they did not have their material to work , and not enough farmers.
• Rich colonists would not work and the poor refused to work for the rich.
• Hunters struggled as the gun powder had been spoiled in the Tiger Disater, hard to shoot anything.

Question 24

How was Inexperience a reason for the failure of Virginia?

Answer 24

• They were reliant on the Native Americans for survival.
• Raleigh did not know who to choose as they had never started a colony there, people were not ready for hardships and long-term reward.

Question 25

How was the Native American Resistance a reason for the failure of Virginia?

Answer 25

• Native Americans grew tired of the Englishs constant demands for food handouts.
• Many Believed the english had special powers to kill the Indians without touching them, realistically it was disease from Europe.
• In Spring 1586 the native americans (chief Wangina) planned a amush, which resulted in the colonists leaving.

Question 26

What was the the Roanoke Story?

Answer 26

1. In 1587 another attempt of colonisation was launched.
2. This time there was many families from London’s poverty-stricken streets so they were willing to work hard.
3. Manteo was made Lord Roanoke and John White in overall charge
4. They experienced many problems, including significant hostility from Native tribes (e.g. John White’s adviser, George Howe, was found dead with 16 arrow wounds)
5. John White returned to England to update Raleigh and when he returned in 1590 he found the colony deserted
6. The only thing left was the word ‘Croatoan’ suggesting they had relocated nearby the Croatoan but there was no trace of colonists found.

Question 27

Plan for the Ridolfi plot? (1571)

Answer 27

Roberto Ridolfi was an Italian banker from Florence living in England. He was also one of the Pope’s spies. In 1571, he arranged a plot to murder Elizabeth, launch a Spanish invasion and put MQS on the throne. The plan was for Mary to be married to the Duke of Norfolk.

Question 28

Features of the Ridolfi plot?

Answer 28

• In March 1571, Ridolfi left England to discuss the plot with the Pope, Philip Ii and the Duke of Alba, who was stationed in the Netherlands (under spanish rule)
• Ridolfi had a letter signed by the Duke of Norfolk declaring he was Catholic and would lead the rebellion if Philip Ii would support it. -Philip II told Alba to prepare 10,000 men to send to England if necessary.
• Sir william cecil uncovered the plot and by autumn 1571 he had enough evidence to prove that Norfolk was guilt of plotting against Elizabeth I again. This was high treason. Ridolfi was abroad when his plot was uncovered and never returned to England.
• When parliament met again in May 1572, it demanded the execution of both Norfolk and Mary. Elizabeth signed Norfolk’s death warrant and he was executed in June 1572.
• However Elizabeth still wouldn’t take action agaimst Mary, even refusing to bar her from the succession

Question 29

Significance of the Ridolfi plot?

Answer 29

• Coming so soon after the papal bull excommunicating Elizabeth, the Ridolfi plot reinforced the threat posed by Mary and Catholics, both at home and abroad
• It also reinforced the threat to England from Spain. Already concerned by the Duke of Alba’s presence in the Netherlands (as the persecution of Dutch protestants was becoming more widespread) anxiety about Spain’s intention towards Elizabeth increased.
• Because of the threat from Spain, Elizabeth focused on improving relations with France

Question 30

Features of the Throckmorton plot, 1583?

Answer 30

-The Throckmorton plot planned for the French Duke of Guise, the cousin of MQS, to invade England, free mary, overthrow elizabeth and restore Catholicism in England. Philip II would provide financial support. A young Englishman, Francis Throckmorton, was to act as a go between with Mary. The pope also knew, and approved, of the plans.

Sir Francis Walsingham, Elizabeth’s secretary of State from 1573, uncovered the plot. His agents found incrimating papers at Throckmorton’s house. Throckmorton was arrested in November 1583, tortured, confessed and was executed in May 1584. The Throckmorton plot again emphasised the threat, of foreign, Catholic powers, English Catholic amd MQS. It also showed the potential threat if the forces of spain and france were to combine in future.

Question 31

Significance of the Throckmorton plot, 1583?

Answer 31

• Throckmorton’s papers included a list of Catholic sympathisers in England, suggesting that the government’s fear of English Catholic as ‘the enemy within’ was real
• Life became harder for Catholic and they were treated with great suspicion by the government. Many important Catholics fled England after the plot, and up to 11,000 were imprisoned or kept under surveillance or house arrest. Another act of Parliament was passed in 1585 that made helping or sheltering Catholic priests punishable by death.

Question 32

Consequences of the English victory over the Spanish Armada?

Answer 32

• Victory over the armada gave Elizabeth I a great propaganfa victory. A new portrait was commissioned , the queen was the cnetre of a great parade in London and a special commemorative medal was struck. It said ‘God blew, and they were scattered’. This was an important point: God clearly seemed to favour Protestantism and Elizabeth was eager to emphasise this.
• England itself had survived an attack by a more powerful foe. This helped nurture a feeling of English pride. It also encouraged the Dutch rebels to renew their fight against the Spanish. Had Philip II been successful, any English support for Dutch protestants would have ended. As it was, the Anglo-Dutch alliance became stronger than ever before.
• The defeat of the Armada also showed the strength of the English navy. After 1588, it also gave England the confidence to trade and explore more widely on the open sea.

Question 33

How did England defeat the Spanish Armada?

Answer 33

• English ship design
• Spanish supplies
• Planning and communication issues
• English tactics

Question 34

How was English ship design a reason why England defeated the Armada?

Answer 34

One reason for English victory was it’s ships. Another was long term planning. The treasurer of the nacy, John Hawkins, had advised Elizabeth years before that English warships needed to be fast and easily manoeuvrable so they could turn their guns on their enemy quicker.

New ships, known as galleons, were built from the early 1570’s. They were designed to be easier and faster to maneuvre.

In English ships, the cannons were mounted on smaller gun carriages than on Spanish ships. When a cannon is fired it recoils quite a long way. The decks on English ships had enough space for cannon to recoil, be quickly reloaded by a small team of team of men and then pushed back through the gun port. This meant that the English ships could fire more cannon balls at the Spanish with more speed.

However, although galleons were some of the best warships in the world, by 1558 England had only 24 of these new ships. Therefore, galleons alone cannot explain Spain’s defeat

Question 35

Why were Spanish supplies a reason for England defeating the Armada?

Answer 35

Spain’s armada was not as well supplied as it might have been. Provisions were stored in barrels made of inferior wood. This was because Drake’s raid on cadiz had destroyed so many barrels that new ones had to be made quickly. Delays in setting sail and bad weather meant tgat by the time the English engaged the Armada, it had already been at sea for over ten weeks. When the English boarded the first Spanish ship they captured, they found it’s food supplies already rotting.

Documents written by Medina-Sidonia also indicate that the Armada was low on supplies of the necessary cannon balls, while archaelogical evidence suggests some were also of very poor quality.

Question 36

Planning and communication issues as why the English defeated the Armada?

Answer 36

Philip’s plan recquired Medina-Sidonia to join with Parma, who was to command a fleet from the Netherlands. This was a weakness for two reasons.

1. The Duke of Parma didn’t control any deep sea ports (which kargw war ships needed) in the Netherlands. Instead he had to use lots of small ships. This meant it would take 48 hours to load, man and set sail once woed came from the Duke of Medina-Sidonia to join his fleet.
2. Communications between Medina-Sidonia and Parma had to go by sea and were therefore unreliable. It took a week for word to reach Parma that Medina-Sidonia was in the channel. By this time, Medina-Sidonia was off calais waiting to engage the English. Although his message got through to Parma eventually, it was too late. His fleet would not be ready to set sail for another 48 hours and the English were ready to attack

Question 37

English tactics as a reason why England defeated the Armada?

Answer 37

-The armada was spotted in the English channel on 29th July 1588. The English, having set sail from Plymouth, opened fire on 31st July and captured two ships. The English fleet, however generally kept at a safe distance and chased the Armada down the channel. However, there were some exchanges of heavy cannon fire off the isle of Wight on 3-4 August.

This exchange proved useful. Medina-Sidonia had hoped to anchor safely off the Isle of wight. Stopping for a couple of days might have meant that Parma received Medina-Sidonia’s messages in enough time to get the Dutch fleet ready for his arrival.

During the engagement off the Isle of Wight, the English were able to fire as many as 6 times more cannon balls than the Spanish and from further away. The earl of Nottingham, a commander of the English fleet, realised the advantage this gave England and decided to converse cannon balls for the decisive battle

Question 38

Elizabeth direct action in 1585?

Answer 38

In June 1585, Dutch protestant representitives came to England offering Elizabeth I the sovereignty of the Netherlands. She refused, as it would mean deposing King Philip II, something she was still unwilling to do: Elizabeth refused to depose an anointed monarch. Instead, on 10th August 1585, Elizabeth I signed the treaty of Nonsuch with the Dutch protestants. It effectively put England and Spain at war: Elizabeth had agreed to intervene directly in the Netherlands on the side of the rebels. Philip II thought the English should stay out of the Netherlands as they belonged to Spain. England would finance an army of 7400 English troops under a commander of her choosing, who would work with the rebels’ government, the council of state. The man she chose was her long time favourite, Robert Dudley.

In October 1585, Elizabeth also sent Sir Francis Drake to raid Spanish new world settlements, with the aim of disrupting Philip II’s flow of resource and finances. However, rather than deterring Philip, Drake only succeeded in angering him Philip told the Pope he intended to invade England at the end of 1585.

Question 39

Englands intervention in the Netherlands?

Answer 39

It was not a great success. Elizabeth did not want to take initiative: she was still hoping to negotiate with Spain. Leicester was therefore not given enough money for men or supplies to mount a large campaign.

It started badly. In january 1586, Leicester accepted the title of Governor General of the Netherlands on Elizabeth’s behalf. Elizabeth was deposing Philip II as king of the Netherlands.

Question 40

What happened in the summer of 1586?

Answer 40

English forces only managed to slow the Duke of Parma’s advance through the Netherlands. In September, they did take some forts outside the Spanish controlled town of Zutphen. In January 1587, however they lost one, Zutphen fort, when it was handed over by an English captain, Rowland York. He defected to the Spanish along with Sir William Stanley. Stanlye had been the governor of the town Deventer and gave it to the Spanish. After this, the Dutch found it hard to trust Leicester, especially because he had appointed Stanley.

Leicester was called back to England in November 1586 but returned to the Netherlands in June 1587. He still didnt have enough men or supplies. However he managed to cause the Duke of Parma enough problems to prevent him from taking the major, deep-water port of Ostend. Parma’s failure to capture any deep water ports proved important in the failure of the Armada in 1588. Elizabeth recalled Leicester from the Netherlands for good at the end of 1587.

Question 41

Reasons for English campaign in Netherlands in 1586-1588 being unsuccessful?

Answer 41

1. Elizabeth was nevee fully behind the rebels. She still hoped to negotiate with Spain and did not give Leicester the funds necessary to mount a large campaign.
2. Leicester and Elizabeth had 2 different aims in the Netherlands. Leicester wanted to liberate the Netherlands from the Spanish, making it independant. Elizabeth wanted a return to how the Netherlands had been governed in 1548
3. Relations between the English and Dutch leaders were poor because of Elizabeth’s lack of commitment.

Question 42

Drake singes the King of Spain’s beard, 1587?

Answer 42

Since January 1586, Spain had been preparing the Armada, Philip II’s mighty invasion fleet. In March 1587, Elizabeth ordered Francis Drake to attack Spain’s navy. On April 19th, he sailed into cadiz harbour, Spain’s most important Atlantic port, and over 3 days destroyed 30 ships as well as a great deal od the fleet’s provisions. The attack on Cadiz is known as the ‘singeing of the King of Spain’s beard’.

Drake then spent several weeks attacking the coast of portugual before heading to the Azores. His aim was to capture Spanish treasure ships bringing silver from Spain’s new world colonies. Although he only captured one, Spain had to break off from building the Armada to defend itself against Drake. The disruption Drake caused did not stop the Armada but it was delayed by a year. This bought England more time to prepare.