MQS And Conflicts With Spain Flashcards
What was the threat of Mary Queen of Scots?
Mary’s arrival in England concerned many protestants as they were worried that she might directly lead or simply inspire rebellion against Elizabeth. The idea that she could ever become queen reminded them of the horrors of Mary the firsts reign. Parliament and a number of privy counsellors called for Mary’s execution, but Elizabeth was hesitant. She didn’t want to kill a fellow queen. Mary was kept under guard and moved around England for the next 19 years. Although she was not directly involved in plots against Elizabeth, she was certainly an inspiration for several. One final plot in 1586 did seem to involve Mary directly, and she was executed for it
The trial of Mary Queen of Scots
In October 15 86 Mary was put on trial before court of nobleman, including Sir Francis Walsingham, and Sir William Cecil to Elizabeth is closest advisors
Mary defended herself strongly. She criticised the fact that she had not been allowed to see evidence against her, and claimed that, as she was not English, she could not be guilty of treason. She refused to accept the court had any right to pass sentence on her.
She was found guilty in sentence to death on the 25th of October
Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
Elizabeth was reluctant to sign Mary’s death warrant as she feared that executing a fellow monarch might inspire her enemies, or that Mary son James might want revenge
She was also concerned about the reaction of the Catholic powers, France and Spain
Despite this, she signed the death warrant on first of February, 15 87
Mary was executed in private seven days later
What was the impact of her execution?
Without Mary, Catholic had no clear alternative monarch
Even in death, Mary remained an important figure . Many saw her as a martyr to her faith, and her execution is proved that Elizabeth was a wicked heretic.
Elizabeth concerned about the reaction abroad was unwarranted. There was outrage, but no action from France or Spain
Why was there conflict between Spain and England? The issue of marriage.
King, Philip, the second of Spain has been married to Elizabeth Sister, Mary, the first
During this time he had been joint Monarch of England was that their child would unite England and Spain under one Catholic king or Queen when Mary died so did the plan
Philip proposed to Elizabeth in 1559, but as with many other suitors, she kept him waiting for an answer . As it became clear, the marriage would not take place tensions between the countries grew.
Why was there conflict between Spain and England? Religious difference
Elizabeth had returned England to the Protestant faith after the catholic years of Mary 1. Spain has remained Catholic throughout all the religious changes of the reformation. such opposing religious ideas led to conflict
Why was there a conflict between Spain and England ?the actions of sailors?
Sir Francis drake and other English sailors had spent years raiding Spanish ports and ships, stealing treasures from Spanish colonies. Drake attacked the port of Cadiz - destroyed dozens of ships in what became known as the ‘singeing the king of spains beard’
Why was there conflict between Spain and England? - the papal bull
In 1570 the pope excommunicated Elizabeth - Phillip was clear to follow the popes rules as he was catholic
Why was there conflict between Spain and England? The Netherlands
As well as Spain, Philip also ruled the Netherlands. In 1566, there was a Protestant uprising in the country.
Philip sent troops to restore order but this led to even greater resistance from the rebels.
• Although she wanted to avoid war with Spain, Elizabeth agreed to send money to support the Protestants and allowed English volunteers to go and help in the fight. She also let rebel ships use English ports. All of this angered Philip greatly.
• William of Orange, the Dutch rebel leader, was assassinated in 1584. In December 1585, Elizabeth finally agreed to send English troops to super he falo Protestants. She sent her trusted friend Robert Dudey with 7000 soldiers. Dudley and his men had very lite impact but it was a clear act of war against Spain.
Naval warfare - the size of the fleet
Henry VIll had spent a fortune building a huge navy to protect his island nation. Before 1500, ships had simply been a way to get to battle, but Tudor ships were designed to fight. During Elizabeth’s reign, under the command of John Hawkins, England’s navy continued to grow. At the same time, Philip of Spain spared no expense in trying to make his navy the largest and most powerful in the world.
Naval warfare - tactics
When full scale battles were fought, a tactic called the line of battle was sometimes used. Ships formed into a single line and fired together on the enemy.
The aim was to sink as many as possible.
• Raids were a common form of attack. They took enemy ports by surprise and destroyed as many ships as possible before the enemy had the chance to fight back. This kind of attack also allowed for treasure to be stolen.
• Fireships were an effective tactic used in the sixteenth century. An old ship would be set alight and sent into the middle of the enemy fleet.
This would send panic across the wooden ships and cause great damage at little risk to the attacker.
Naval warfare - technology
• A new type of triangular sail, known as a lateen, allowed for much faster travel and new ships allowed for greater speed and manoeuvrability. Ships could therefore travel greater distances and perform better in raids and battles.
• New, more powerful cannons meant it was now possible to fire at enemy ships from a distance. Previously, sailors would try to board enemy ships. Ships were built specifically for battle and for use in the line of battle tactic.
• New inventions like the astrolabe allowed for greater accuracy when planning voyages and working out locations. This helped sailors prepare much better for long voyages, particularly if they had to pass through hostile waters.
The Spanish Armada - the plan
In 1588, Philip Il of Spain launched his great Armada: 151 ships, 7000 sailors and 34,000 soldiers would sail to the Netherlands and collect more men before invading England.
• They would sail in an unbreakable crescent formation.
Philip was so confident that he would defeat the English navy that he filled the ships with weapons for land battles that would follow once the fleet arrived in England.
the Spanish Armada - English strike first
By 6 August the Armada was anchored off the Dutch coast.
• They were delayed for several days waiting for additional soldiers to arrive.
• At this moment the English, commanded by Sir Francis Drake, chose to strike. Early on ? August, eight fireships were sent into the Spanish fleet. There was mass panic and the well-organised Armada was plunged into chaos.
The Spanish Armada - the battle
On 8 August the Battle of Gravelines began.
• The English fired constantly from a distance of 100 metres. The Spanish ships were badly damaged but none were sunk.
• Recognising how bad the situation was, the Spanish commander, the Duke of Medina-Sidonia, tried to lead his battered ships home.
The English gave chase.
