The Spanish Armada Flashcards
Why did Philip ll invade England in 1588?
Ambition - one of the strongest armies in Europe and believed it was his duty to spread Catholicism
War in Netherlands - Elizabeth provided support to Dutch rebels against Spain
Actions of English Privateers - in 1577 sir Francis drake attacked Spanish ships and brought back £200 million worth of gold, Elizabeth then knighted drake
What happened at the attack on Cadiz?
Drake burnt important timber supplies and destroyed 37 ships
New storage barrels were constructed of poor quality
What was the impact of the attack on Cadiz?
It delayed the attack for one year
What changes did Philip ll make to his armada as a result of the attack on Cadiz?
He had to choose a new admiral who was unqualified and seasick
The barrels with supplies leaked and burst
The storms made the armada seek refuge still on the coast of Spain
What happened at the battle of Graveline?
Happened on the 8th August 1588
1000 Spanish died
When and where did the armada set sail?
28th May 1588 from Lisbon but encounters a storm so stop in Corunna for repairs
When did the armada leave Corunna and where did it head to?
On the 21st of July and sailed to English Channel
What happened on 29th July 1588?
The armada was sighted off Cornwall and warning beacons were lit
What was significant about the crescent formation that the armada used when it sailed?
It made it difficult for the English ships to attack and the armada could easily close in and attack
What happened at Plymouth?
They engaged in regular fights and by the end the Spanish had lost 2 ships
What happened at Calais on the 6th and 7th of August 1588?
Duke of Parma’s forces were delayed by a week due to Dutch forces
8 unmanned English ships were full of tar and gunpowder which were set alight and drifted towards the armada which broke the crescent formation
What were the English strengths?
Ships were faster and more manoeuvrable
No losses or casualties
Used beacons as a warning system
Sir Francis drake helped defeat the Spanish
What were the Spanish weaknesses?
Duke of medina sidonia was seasick,didn’t want to go,was inexperienced
Did not collect additional 17000 troops
Poor planning - assumed English catholics would want Philip and no bad weather
Attack on Cadiz
How did the weather impact the Spanish Armada?
Storms caused the armada to take shelter in a port
Took a route above Scotland where many ships got shipwrecked due to storms
