The Spanish Armada Flashcards
When was the Spanish Armada launched, and who launched it?
Philip II launched the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Why was the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1587, so significant?
Turning Point
Further angered Spain, giving Philip II further reason to attack England.
Catholics believed Mary was the legitimate Queen.
Spain was Catholic.
Philip II had been involved in a number of plots against Elizabeth, with Mary.
Why did Philip launch the Spanish Armada?
Religious Reasons
Plots against Elizabeth had failed.
Armada gave him another opportunity to place a Catholic on the English throne.
Pope had promised forgiveness of sins to those taking part in the Armada.
Why did Philip launch the Spanish Armada?
Political reasons
Treaty of Joinville
United France and Spain against England and Netherlands, allowing Spain to attack England without being attacked by France.
England would be a useful addition to the Spanish Empire, giving Spain complete control of the Atlantic.
Treaty of Nonsuch
meant English soldiers were at war with Spain, giving Philip a reason to attack England.
Why did Philip launch the Spanish Armada?
Acts if Provocation
Drake’s actions in the New World threatened Spanish commercial interests.
Elizabeth supported the Dutch rebels, challenging Spanish interests there.
Why did Philip launch the Spanish Armada?
Changing Circumstances
Spain acquired Portugal in 1580, giving Philip access to many Portuguese ports and ships.
Spains position in the Netherlands was secure, due to the Duke of Parma’s success.
Elizabeth was hesitant to back Dutch rebels, showed weakness and a reason to attack.
What was Philip’s strategy?
Ordered 130 ships to sail along the English Channel to the Netherlands.
Ships joined forces with Spanish troops under the Duke of Parma.
Army would then attack London, ending Elizabeth’s reign - creating a Catholic government.
Philips Tactics
Spanish needed to control the English Channel
Fireships
English launched fireships at Calais, where they were waiting for the Duke of Parma’s troops.
Caused panic.
Ships were spread about and scattered.
The spanish fleet never linked up with the troops.
Why was the Spanish Armada 1588 defeated? Weather Poor Communication Leadership English Strategies
Weather = ships wrecked accross the coast of Scotland and Ireland.
Wind direction changed, forced into the North Sea.
Storms.
Poor Communication = Bad communication between Philip and the Duke of Parma. Bad timings.
Leadership = Men on the boats were not prepared, panicked when attacked with fireships.
Mendina was given too many orders. and didn’t have a naval background, also unprepared.
Spanish captains cut their anchors, drifting out to the North Sea.
English strategies = Drake attacked Cadiz harbour where the Spanish were preparing their ships, gaining England another 12 months.
Destroyed ships carrying their food supplies.
Treasure ship was captured, confusion.
Consequences of the English victory for England.
Stronger alliances in Europe.
England has protestant alliances in Europe.
Elizabeths authority increased, seen as a military victor.
Navy strengthened, showed their strength. This boosted confidence to explore and to trade with Europe.
Consequences of the English Victory for Spain.
Military and financial setback.
Spains war continued throughout Elizabeths reign.
Their prestige was broken, other countries challenged their power.
Led to a gradual decline of the Spanish Empire.
