The Armarda Flashcards
Why did Philip launch the Spanish Armada
Religious conflict (see relations with Spain)- armarda gave Phillip an opportunity to replace with catholic
Pope promised a solution to those taking part in armada. Papacy wanted to overthrow E since excommunicating her in 1570
Why else did Philip launch Spanish Armada (2)
Commercial rivalry (see relations with Spain)
Why else did Philip launch Spanish Armada (3)
Politics- treaty of Joinville (1584)- meant Spain could attack england without risking war from France
Treaty of nonsuch (1585)- meant england soldiers at war with Spain- P justifies attacking england
England useful addition to Ps empire-gives Spain complete control of the Atlantic-
Why did the Spanish Armada fail
English naval tactics
Weather
Leadership
How did english naval tactics play a role
The English got close enough to the Spanish ships to fire on them but stayed far away enough to prevent Spanish sailors and soldiers from boarding
Destroyed a number of Spanish ships while ensuring that englihsb losses were minimal
Early warning system
Ds use of fire ships at Battle of grace lines caused many Spanish captains to panic, cut their anchors and allow their ships to drift into the North Sea
England had 200 ships which were light and fast and agile and 140 merchant ships
Spain had 130 ships with 64 battle ships 22 huge galleons which were hard to manoeuvres
How did the weather play a role
Gale forced winds caused most of the destruction to the Spanish ships
Only 2/3 made it home
Steady breeze blew fire ships into Calais
The winds drew the armada northwards around the British Isles
It scattered and wrecked their ships off the coast of England scotland and irelan
How did leadership play a role
Elizabeth didn’t have much control over tactics yet her commanders: Howard’s, Drake and Hawkins were extremely experienced in naval combat
When Spanish commander ordered his fleet to anchor in Calais in a final effort to meet up with Parma the amlrmada was an easy target which brought about Howard’s idea to send fire ships.
E could create an image of a powerful leader- due to victory her gender was seen as insignificant and population began to earn her trust more
Why was Spains leaderships also important
The death of spains leading admiral Santa Cruz in 1588 led to the appointment of the inexperienced Dune of Medina Sidonis to lead the armarda
No communication between the duke of Parma and the duke of medina sidonia
No deep water ports since Dutch rebels still possessed Ostend.
Spainish Armada couldn’t stop any ports in the Spanish Netherlands but had to meet up with duke of Parma’s army and sea after it had embarked on a series of smaller ships. Made communications very difficult
What we’re the consequences over the English victory
Protestant cause stronger in England-
Victory of English “underdog”suggested god was on Protestant side due to the weather solidifiing Es position
A commemorative medal was struck that said “god blew and they were scattered”
This may have persuade some Englishmen may have wavered between Protestantism and Catholicism to accept Protestant rule
Fights against how she is illegitimate
What else were the consequences for english victory
English navy strengthened-defeat of the armada showed the strength of the English navy. Boosted english confidence to explore. Also encourages English merchants to trade with Europe
Decreased jurisdiction of Spain encouraging more smaller nations to invade
What else were the consequences of the English victory
Es authority’s enhanced- the queen took centre stage in a victory parade in London 11 days after
Portrayed herself as a military victor solidifying her position and deteriorating views on her legitamacy and weakness due to her gender
Reflected in portraits during later parts of her reign for example the “Armada portrait”
Consequences for Spain
Defeat of armada was a major military and financial setback for Philip
Spanish prestige was broken other countries began more willing to challenges Spain’s power
Led to the gradual decline of Spanish empire
