The Causes of and Events Leading Up to The Spanish Armada

Question 1

Relations with Spain : Commercial rivalry

Answer 1

• Many English merchants directly challenged Spain’s dominance of the New World because there was huge profits to be made there.
• Many even attacked Spanish ships and ports.
• Francis Drake was the most famous privateer who stole large amounts from Spain. Elizabeth used Drake to send a message of defiance to Phillip II.

Question 2

Relations with Spain : Political and Religious rivalry

Answer 2

• Elizabeth refused Phillip II’s offer of marriage when she came to the throne.
• Phillip saw himself as the leading Catholic monarch; Elizabeth’s support for Protestants and treatment of Catholics (eg Mary Queen of Scots) created big problems between England and Spain.
• Indirect English support for Dutch rebels and allowing Spanish shipping and colonies to come under attack from English privateers were also significant factors.

Question 3

Why did Drake raid Cadiz and “Singe the King of Spain’s beard? When?

Answer 3

In 1577, Drake sailed into Cadiz Harbour and destroyed 30 Spanish ships and a large amount of their supplies.

Question 4

What were the consequences of Drake’s raid on Cadiz?

Answer 4

• Delayed preparations for the Armada for a year giving the English more time to prepare.
• Destroyed many provisions.

Question 5

What were the reasons for the defeat of the Armada?

Answer 5

English Galleons - Quicker, able to carry more cannons.

English cannons - able to be reloaded more efficiently on Galleons.

Spanish supplies - poor quality cannonballs and barrels, lead to food rotting this was all due to Drake’s attack.

Unreliable communications - between Spanish (Medina-Sidonia and Parma) because it took a long time to reach over seas.

• Duke of Parma had control of no deep sea ports meaning supplies would take a long time to get loaded.
• Poor leadership and tactics from Spanish
• Bad weather finally destroyed the Armada

Question 6

What were the consequences of the Armada’s defeat?

Answer 6

• Great propaganda victory for the English.
• “God blew and they scattered” medal showed the importance of the religious victory.
• Great boost to English pride.
• Dutch rebels were encouraged to renew their fight.
• Showed strength and skill of the English navy.
• Defeat cost Spain very dearly, financially and politically and marked the beginning of a decline in fortune.