Foreign Policy

Question 1

What were Eliz’s aims of foreign policy?

Answer 1

1. Security and avoidance of war main aim - compared to Spain and France a second rate power
2. Interdependent sovereignty in a catholic world
3. Keen to get Calais back

Question 2

Why did relations with Spain deteriorate between 1558-72?

Answer 2

1. Growing power of Spain - richer in resources etc
2. Religion - Eliz’s willingness to support Prots in Scot & Fra worried Phil - danger to Spanish interests
3. Trade disputes & Piracy - 1563 English pirates attacked Spain & Neds treasure ships - Eliz encouraged. Phil then stopped Wool and Cloth trade - prosperity depended. Liz then banned Neds imports. Extremely damaging financially but resumed 1564. Hawkins attacked west indies spanish monopoly
4. 1566 Revolt of the Netherlands - Eng’s prosperity depended on Ned’s - Prot revolt - Alva’s army to deal with rebellion. Liz couldn’t do anything but v alarming
5. Seizure of treasure ships 1568 - Storm forced Spanish vessels carrying money to pay army onto Devon - Liz takes it but not technically stealing

Question 3

Steps towards war with Spain 1563-88?

Answer 3

1. Trade embargo 1563 between Netherlands and England
2. 1567 Phillip send army under Alva to restore control of Netherlands - religion related - Liz can’t help
3. Liz allows Dutch beggars to use English channels to attack Spanish shipping - annoys Phil
4. 1568 Hawkins attacks harbour
5. Liz seizes treasure ships, with Alva’s payments - retaliates by placing an embargo on all English trade
6. 1572 Treaty of Blois signed by England and France - sea beggars told to leave
7. St Bartholomew Day massacre
8. 1577 - Drake begins his circumnavigation expedition - attacking Spain wherever he goes
9. 1581 Drake is knighted by Liz - Spanish furious
10. 1584 William of Orange assassinated - leader or rebels in Neds - worry for liz
11. 1585 Treaty of Nonsuch - Liz helps rebels in Neds - 7000 men lead by Leicester
12. 1587. Drake destroys Spanish ships in Cadiz
13. 1588 Spanish Armada

Question 4

‘Anglo Spanish’ relations deteriorated in the years 1568-1588 largely due to the actions of the English’ assess the validity of this view. Valid?

Answer 4

1. 1568 - seizure of treasure ships undermines payment of Alva’s army
2. 1568 - trade between England and Spain stops for 5 yrs due to Eliz attacking Spanish ships
3. 1577 - Drake begins circumnavigation and attacks Spanish ships across the world & is knighted when home
4. 1579 - marriage alliance proposed with Anjou to put pressure on Spain
5. 1585 - Liz signs treaty of Nonsuch to help Dutch rebels against Spain - 7000 men
6. 1587- Drake destroys Spanish ships in Cadiz

Question 5

‘Anglo Spanish’ relations deteriorated in the years 1568-1588 largely due to the actions of the English’ assess the validity of this view. Not valid?

Answer 5

1. 1563 - trade embargo stemmed from Phillip’s desire to govern Neds
2. 1567 - Phil sends army under Alva to Neds to restore Span control
3. 1577 - Don Juan of Austria arrives with new Spanish army to to reconquest the Netherlands
4. 1584- Assassinate leader of Dutch rebels, William of Orange
5. 1583 Spanish ambassador involved in Throckmorton plot
6. Spanish Armada