The Spanish Armada

Question 1

What triggered the Spanish Armada?

Answer 1

• Elizabeth refused to marry Phillip II
• Religious differences
• England posed a threat to Spain’s power in the new world
• Battle for naval dominance
• They were angered by Drake’s raid on Cadiz

Question 2

What was the Spanish plan?

Answer 2

Phillip’s plan for the Armada was to set sail with 130 ships and join up with the Duke of Alba’s troops in the Netherlands. They would then cross the channel to England and instigate a new Catholic government.

Question 3

Why did the Armada fail?

Answer 3

• Poor supplies (Drake had destroyed their barrels in Cadiz - food was preserved poorly)
• English ships - galleons were faster and more manouverable than large Spanish ships.
• Spanish leadership was poor - their general was elected out of popularity
• They had poor communication with the Dutch troops
• The poor weather finished them off and ended the Armada.

Question 4

What were the consequences?

Answer 4

• Propaganda victory for the English - religious and political
• Showed the strength and power of the English navy
• Spain severely damaged financially
• Relations between England and Spain worsened