How did the declining relationship with Spain affect religion? Flashcards
What were the priorities for foreign policy?
-preserve the Antwerp (Netherlands near Holy Roman Empire) cloth trade-> doesn’t want to lose money as cloth trade was the biggest trade at the time
-maintain a secure northern frontier with Scotland->prevent invasion
-protect her Channel coastline->prevent invasion
-re-establish England’s independence from France and Spain (1558-1572)
-a period of peace to establish her new Elizabethan Church
Why did Elizabeth look to the New World?
-she wanted to be less dependent on Antwerp for her economy
What was the New World like?
-Spain established a large overseas empire in the Americas->made them rich
-Spain controlled trade in this area
-trade with the Netherlands had been disrupted
-Privateers (English pirates) attacked Spanish ships->to try and stop Spain’s monopoly of the New World->1568 Spanish bullion (gold) was seized
What did Spain’s control over the New World lead to?
-led to Spain and England’s relationship declining
Why was 1562-1572 described as ‘a period of distraction and getting into bed with the enemy’?
-Elizabeth was focusing on the relationship with France more than Spain which led to the deterioration with Spain->focused on rebuilding relationship with France rather than France and Spain
Which events were more important in the declining relationship? 1562-1572
-Elizabeth allowed the Sea Beggars (Dutch Protestant rebel sailors) to shelter in England in 1567 which they used for a base for attacking Spanish ships in the Channel
-Elizabeth seized bullion from Spanish ships sheltering in English ports in 1568
Why did Elizabeth manage to postpone war with Spain for as long as she could?
to save money
What had Elizabeth done between from 1562 onwards?
-she had aided Protestant rebels in France and Scotland, imprisoned her Catholic successor, allowed English volunteers to help the Dutch rebels, given refuge to Philip’s enemies and encouraged raids on his empire in the New World->not at war
Was there a formal declaration of war?
no
Why is 1572-1579 described as the ‘Shall I, Shan’t I’ period?
-describes Elizabeth needing to make a decision on going to war and sent troops to help the Dutch->lead to war with Spain
What happened in 1572?
-outbreak of the Dutch revolt and Elizabeth sends volunteers to support Dutch
What happened in 1573?
-trade embargo between Spain and England lifted
What happened in 1576?
-the Northern and Southern Dutch provinces united against the Spanish after the ‘Spanish Fury’->Elizabeth loaned £100,000 to the Dutch in support and agreed to send an army
What happened in 1577?
-King Philip I sends a new army led by the Duke of Parma to begin to reconquer the Netherlands
What happened in 1578?
-the Dutch ask for support from France
