The Spanish Armada Flashcards
Political causes of war with Spain
Spain was a great imperial power so there was growing rivalry between the 2 countries.
Religious causes of war with Spain
Philip was a Catholic so was involved in Catholic plots against Elizabeth.
Economic causes of war with Spain
Elizabeth encouraged privateers to trade illegally, raid Spanish ships and attack treasure fleets.
Start of the war
1581- Protestant rebels in Netherlands declare independence from Spain
1585- Elizabeth help rebels, sign treaty of Nonsuch, promising military assistance.
Philip saw treaty as declaration of war, build armada.
Route of Spanish Armada
May 1588- set out
Delayed in Bay of Biscay
July-fleet spotted off Cornwall so English ships sail from Plymouth
Sailed up channel
Anchored at Calais to get more troops but they were unable to reach shore, English sent fireships to anchored ships which caused panic so armada set sail.
Ships regrouped at Gravelines.
Battle happened, forced to sail to North Sea. English followed them to Scotland
Returned to Spain around Scotland and Ireland (only half return)
English strengths
Improved ship building so faster and easier to handle.
Ships more equipped for weather.
English cannons reload faster.
More effective tactics - did not board Spanish ships but sent cannonballs to sink them.
Fireships to break Spanish formations.
More experienced sailors.
Spanish weaknesses
Lacked experience of naval warfare.
Duke who led fleet was inexperienced.
Errors in planning.
No reinforcements and could not pick up Duke of Parmas army- unable to anchor.
Bad tactics.
Ships slower, less equipped for weather.
Cannons slow to re-load, only fire over short distance.
Luck
Spain’s leading admiral died before Armada set sail.
Weather
- Spain ships buffeted by wind
- impossible for Spain to go through channel, had to go past dangerous waters in Scotland and Ireland.
