Spanish armada Flashcards
Spanish armada
The Spanish Armada was a large Spanish naval fleet that attempted to invade England in 1588. It was a key event in the Anglo-Spanish War and a turning point in English history, ultimately resulting in a decisive English victory. The Armada’s mission was to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and restore Catholicism in England.
causes
Religious Differences:
England had embraced Protestantism under Elizabeth, while Spain remained staunchly Catholic. King Philip II, a devout Catholic, sought to restore Catholicism to England and saw Elizabeth’s reign as a threat to the Catholic faith. He also had support from the Pope in this effort.
Political Ambitions:
Philip II aimed to expand Spain’s influence and power in Europe. He viewed England as a potential addition to the Spanish Empire and sought to overthrow Elizabeth, replacing her with his daughter, who was Catholic.
English Support for Dutch Rebels:
Elizabeth’s support for the Dutch rebels fighting against Spanish rule in the Netherlands angered Philip II, leading to a buildup of tension and eventually, war.
English Piracy:
English privateers, like Sir Francis Drake, were raiding Spanish ships carrying gold and silver from the New World, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
The Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots:
The execution of Mary, a Catholic monarch and a potential rival to Elizabeth, further inflamed religious tensions and solidified Philip II’s resolve to invade England.
Marriage Rejection:
Philip II had previously courted Elizabeth and proposed marriage, but she refused, adding to the personal animosity between the two rulers.
events
May 1588: The Armada departs from Lisbon.
July 19, 1588: Sighted by English ships off Cornwall, and beacons are lit.
July 27, 1588: The Armada anchors near Calais.
July 28, 1588: English fire ships attack, disrupting the Armada.
July 29, 1588: The Battle of Gravelines, where the English inflict significant damage.
Late July and August 1588: The Armada is forced to sail north, around the British Isles.
September 1588: Many ships are wrecked in storms, and the Armada returns to Spain with heavy losses.
why england won the armada
- Naval Superiority:
English ships:
English ships were faster and more maneuverable, allowing them to outrun and outflank the Spanish galleons. They also had longer-range cannons, enabling them to engage the Armada at a distance.
Spanish ships:
The Spanish Armada was designed for close-quarters boarding tactics, but their ships were not as well-suited for the long-range engagements favored by the English. - Tactics:
English:
The English employed a “line of battle” tactic, using their superior maneuverability to harass the Armada and force it into a retreat. They also strategically used fireships, which panicked the Spanish and disrupted their formation.
Spanish:
The Spanish initially aimed to secure control of the English Channel and transport an army to England, but their lack of a secure port and the English’s use of fireships forced them to alter their plans, ultimately leading to their defeat. - Weather:
Unfavorable winds:
The prevailing winds and storms severely hampered the Spanish fleet, causing them to lose formation and sustain damage.
No secure harbor:
The lack of a safe harbor in the English Channel forced the Spanish ships to remain exposed to the elements, further weakening their position. - Other Contributing Factors:
Supply issues: The Spanish Armada suffered from poor food supplies and weapon quality.
Leadership: Some historians believe that the Duke of Medina Sidonia, the Armada’s commander, was inexperienced and made some tactical errors.
English support: The English were well-supported by their own fleet, as well as by volunteers who manned the coastal defenses.
In essence, the English victory was a result of a combination of naval superiority, strategic tactics, and favorable weather conditions that ultimately overwhelmed the Spanish Armada’s strengths.
