Spanish Armarda Flashcards
Treaty of Nonsuch
June 1585- England would pay for 7400 men led by Robert Dudley Earl of Leicester. This group would work with the Dutch to fight the Spanish but war hadn’t been declared. This army only ever disrupted Parma’s army but defended an important deep water port with access to England which could’ve been used to make it easier for Spain to load troops onto ships.
- some officers (York and Stanley) defected to Spanish side
- Elizabeth still hoped to negotiate with Phillip.
Drake’s attack on Cadiz
Spain had been building up it’s navy since Jan 1586. In March 1587 Elizabeth orders Drake to attack their navy and on 19-22 April he attacks Cadiz, destroying 30 ships and many of the fleet’s supplies.
Consequences of Cadiz
Spain now needed to focus on defending ships instead of building new ones. Armada delayed by a year. Gave England more time to prepare for an attack in 1588. Known as “singeing of the King of Spain’s beard”
Reasons for the Spanish to invade
Phillip wanted rid of Heresy (crime against religion)
The papacy wanted Elizabeth overthrown since excommunicating her in 1570
Treaties of Joinville and Nonsuch
To expand Spanish empire
Revenge for Drake and support of Dutch rebels
England was weak compared to Spain
Phillip’s plan
130 ships, 2431 guns and 30,000 men.
- the Armada sails along English channel to the Netherlands
- join with Parma’s men
- transport 27,000 troops to Kent
- Parma marches on London to depose Elizabeth and set up Catholic government in England.
How Armada was defeated- English preparation
England aware of possible attack since early 1570s. John Hawkins advised that Galleon ships would be built as they were faster and more menoevourable.
English ships were capable of firing cannons faster- small gun carriages, decks with lots of space for recoil and reload.
Drakes attack on Cadiz meant Spanish supplies were contained in barrels made from inferior wood meaning some food would’ve rotted while they were at sea. Other supplies destroyed.
How Armada was defeated- Problems with Spanish strategy
Setting sail delayed and bad weather meant they’d already been at sea for ten weeks when engaging the English.
Duke of Parma had no access to deep sea ports meaning ships took 48 hours to load using smaller boats.
Medina-Sidonia was supposed to join Parma but communication across the water was challenging-Parma had only found out he was in the channel by the time the Armada had engaged with the English
Events of Armada: 1
Armada spotted in English channel 29th July. English opened fire 31 July and captured 2 ships. They chased the Armada down the channel while keeping their distance.
Events of Armada: 2
3-4 August: Medina-Sidonia stopped fleet at Isle of Wight, to wait for Parma, where English open fire again and damage the fleet
Events of Armada: 3
6 August: English fire ships sent into Spanish fleet to scatter it
8 August: Armada regroups- battle of Gravelines: Parma not ready, fire ships used
Conequences of the Armada
Religious victory
England defeated an enemy more powerful than itself encouraging English pride
Strengthened Anglo-Dutch relations and Dutch rebels renewed fight against Spain
Costly defeat of Spain began decline of Spanish fortunes
Showed strength of English navy and gave confidence for more exploration and trade
Propaganda victory
