The Elizabethan Age (1558 - 1603) - The Spanish Armada Flashcards
What were the long term causes of the Spanish Armada?
Ambition - his religious beliefs including anger at the Religious Settlement. He has a big ego and wants to spread Catholicism and restore the faith in England.
War in the Netherlands 1565-85 - Elizabeth provides unofficial support to Dutch rebels and signs treaty of Nonsuch showing her official support in 1585
English privateers - Sir Francis Drake stole £140,000 worth of gold, silver and jewels from Spanish ships. Elizabeth didn’t execute Drake sue knighted him.
What were the short term causes of the Armada?
Execution of Mary
What was the attack on Cadiz?
On 20th April 1587 Drake sailed English warships into Cadiz harbour and claimed to attack and destroy 37 ships ( report sent to Phillip said 24).
Drake burnt timber supplies, meant for construction of storage barrels.
When the Ramada sailed barrels leaked or split.
Delayed the Armada for a year, allowing Britain more time to prepare.
What changes were made to the Armada plan?
No harbour in Netherlands big enough
Large number of barges needed to be built on the spot
Phillip ignored advice from his ministers and military commanders to delay launch
In Feb 1588 the admiral in charge died
Duke of medina sidonia took over but was not qualified and easily seasick
In April 1588 the Armada was blown off course.
When did the Armada set sail?
On 28th May 1588 from Lisbon. Hit by storms and forced to shelter in La Coruña on 19th June for repairs and food
Where did the Armada head next?
21st July sailed north to the English Channel. The Armada was sighted from Cornwall on 29th July.
Why did they use a crescent formation?
It was difficult for the English to attack because small ships were protected. Large ships were hard to sink.
What happened at Plymouth?
The English persued the Armada for a week, engaging in fights.
What happened at Calais on 6th and 7th August?
The Armada anchored off Calais after the Duke of Parma’s troops from the Netherlands were delayed. Lord Howard attacked with fire ships. The Armada scattered . Ships had no people on, loaded with tar and set on fire.
What happened on 8th August?
Warships attacked the Armada at the battle of Gravelines. After 8 hours England had run out of ammunition. By 4PM fired last shots.m3 Spanish ships lost, 1000 Spaniards killed + 800 wounded.
What happened on 9th August?
Elizabeth delivered a rallying speech to the troops at Tilbury.
What happened after 9th August?
The wind changed direction and the Armada had to travel around the coast of Scotland Ireland, pursued by the English. When the English fleet was round the Scottish border it turned around . Only 67 Spanish ships returned.
What were English strengths?
Sir Francis Drake
Ships are faster and more manoeuvrable
No losses in Battle of Gravelines
Beacon system
Raised taxes
Rousing speeches
English aware of Spanish plan
What were Spanish weaknesses?
Duke of Medina Sidonia was not prepared, inexperienced, got seasick, couldn’t swim.
Anchored at Calais.
Did not collect additional 17,000 troops
Attack on Cadiz poor planning
What was the weather?
Hit a storm and had to anchor at Coruña - damage and delay
Storm destroys much of Armada
