Spanish Armada Flashcards
May-July
The Armada was led by the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who had little experience in the navy. The Armada left Spain/Portugal in May, but bad weather meant that they did not reach the English Channel until July.
The Spanish fleet reached Cornwall in July. Beacons were lit all along the coast, sending news of the arrival to London. Philip had filled his ships with land weapons for the battles to come.
6th August
The Spanish fleet was anchored on the Dutch coast for several days, waiting for more soldiers from the Duke of Parma.
They were not in a protected deep water port and they could not anchor very safely.
Sir Francis Drake commanded English sailors to strike. He sent eight fireships (burning ships) the next morning into the Spanish fleet.
8th August: Battle of Gravelines
Firing from 100 metres away, the English damaged many Spanish ships. The Duke of Medina-Sidonia, commander of the Spanish fleet, turned his ships around to head for home. Only 65 ships made it back. This attack coincided with a storm, which blew the Armada off course and allowed the English ships to pursue them. Many ships were wrecked off the coast of Scotland and Ireland.
Outcome
A combination of English tactics, Spanish mistakes, and the weather contributed to Spain’s defeat. The result was a significant victory for Elizabeth and proved British naval might. Philip II planned a second attempt but never launched the mission.
The defeat of the Armada brought England together, and more Catholics pledged loyalty to the queen. The victory strengthened the sense that England was living through a ‘golden age’.
