The Armada Flashcards
Who persuaded the Queen that attack was the best form of defence?
Francis Drake
This decision was made in response to Philip’s assembling of a great fleet.
What significant action did Drake take in April 1587?
He sailed to Cadiz to weaken Spain’s preparations for war
This was part of a preemptive strategy against the Spanish Armada.
What was the outcome of Drake’s raid on Cadiz?
He destroyed 30 ships and much of the fleet’s supplies
This act was known in England as ‘the singeing of the king of Spain’s beard’.
How did Drake’s actions affect the Spanish Armada’s construction?
It delayed the construction by destroying ships and supplies
This created confusion and dread among the Spanish admirals.
What did Drake do after the attack on Cadiz?
He sailed northwards destroying Portuguese vessels and then went to the Azores
He targeted vessels carrying materials for the Armada.
What treasure did Drake capture in the Azores?
The Spanish treasure ship, the San Felipe
He returned home with £114,000.
What impact did Drake’s actions have on Queen Elizabeth?
They bought her another twelve months to prepare England’s defences
This time was crucial for strengthening England against the Armada.
Fill in the blank: Drake’s raid on Cadiz is known in England as ‘the _______ of the king of Spain’s beard’.
‘singeing’
This term reflects the audacity and impact of the raid.
True or False: Drake’s actions led to immediate war preparations in England.
False
His actions delayed Spanish plans and allowed England more time to prepare.
What was Philip’s plan for the Armada?
The Armada will sail through the English Channel to Calais
This plan involved a coordinated effort between the Armada and the Duke of Parma’s army.
Who was the Duke of Parma?
One of the most able commanders in Europe
He was tasked with leading his army to meet the Armada at Calais.
How many troops did the Duke of Parma have?
20,000 troops
These troops were to march from the Netherlands to Calais.
What was the intended route for the Spanish forces after landing?
The Spanish forces will land in Kent and then march on London
This was part of the overall invasion strategy.
What was supposed to happen with English Catholics?
They would rise up against Elizabeth, who would have to surrender
The plan included restoring the Catholic religion in England after Elizabeth’s overthrow.
What was the first critical problem in Philip’s plan?
How the ships of the Armada and Parma’s army were going to link up
Good communication was essential for the timing of the invasion.
Why could Parma’s army not be at Calais too soon?
Their barges could easily be attacked by Dutch pirates
Timing was crucial to avoid such attacks.
What did Francisco de Bobadillo write in September 1588?
If on the day that we had arrived there, Parma had come out with his troops, we should have carried out the invasion.
This indicates that timing was a significant factor in the plan’s failure.
Fill in the blank: The Armada was to be protected by _______ while Parma’s army was ferried across.
the big ships from the Armada
This protection was necessary during the transit of troops.
True or False: The plan was executed successfully without any timing issues.
False
The plan faced critical timing issues that led to its failure.
What was the ultimate goal of Philip’s plan?
To overthrow Elizabeth and restore the Catholic religion in England
This reflects the broader context of the conflict between Protestant England and Catholic Spain.
