The Spanish Armada And Consequences Flashcards
Philip II’s strategy
• Philip ordered the Armada (130 ships and 2431 guns) to sail along the English Channel to the Netherlands.
• From there, the ships would join forces with Spanish troops under the Duke of Parma and transport 27000 troops to Kent.
• The Spanish army would then attack London, end Elizabeth’s reign and establish a new Catholic government.
Tactics of both armies in the Spanish Armada
• For the invasion to succeed, the Spanish needed control of the English Channel to transport Parma’s troops to England.
• It was vital that the English Navy disrupt Spanish shipping, as the Spanish had a bigger and better army than the English and were likely to defeat them if they landed successfully in Kent.
Why was the Armada such a threat?
If the Armada succeeded, Elizabeth could lose her throne and possibly her life.
For English Protestants, including her privy councillors, a successful invasion meant the restoration of Catholicism in England and the persecution of Protestants. For many, the war with Spain was a life and death struggle to preserve their religion and their lives.
Events of the Spanish Armada
29 July- the Armada is spotted in the English channel
31 July- Battle of Plymouth. Two spanish ships are captured
3-4 August- Battle of the Isle of Wight. Spanish ships are outgunned by the English and forced to move further up the channel towards calais
8 August- Battle of Gravelines. Fireships cause the Spanish to panic. The spanish fleet never links up with the Duke of Parma and is scattered
Reasons for the English Victory
Communication Problems
English ships were better armed and equipped
The spanish panicked
The weather
English tactics were superior
Spanish ships lacked supplies and provisions (including food, for a long voyage)
Communication problems
• There was no communication between the Duke of Parma and the Duke of Medina Sidonia.
• No deep-water ports. The Dutch rebels still possessed Ostend. This meant the Spanish Armada could not stop at any ports in the Spanish Netherlands, but had to meet up with the Duke of Parma’s army at sea after it had embarked on a series of smaller ships. This made communications very difficult.
English ships were better armed and equipped
In English ships, cannons were mounted on smaller gun carriages than on Spanish ships. This meant they could be reloaded and fired more quickly than the Spanish cannons. This damaged many Spanish ships and undermined their chances of linking up with the Duke of Parma and invading England.
The Spanish panicked
The key turning point seems to have been the Battle of Gravelines, where the English used fireships. Many Spanish captains panicked, cut their anchors and allowed their ships to drift into the North Sea.
The Weather
Gale force winds caused most of the destruction to the Spanish ships as they retreated home.
Many Spanish ships were destroyed off the west of Ireland.
English tactics were superior
• The English got close enough to the Spanish ships to fire on them, but stayed far away enough to prevent Spanish sailors and soldiers from boarding. This destroyed and damaged a number of Spanish ships while ensuring that English losses were minimal.
• Drake’s use of fireships at the Battle of Gravelines was also important as it caused the Spanish to panic.
Spanish ships lacked supplies and provisions including food for a long voyage
The Spanish fleet was at sea for 10 weeks and by early August the food had rotted. This damaged Spanish morale and their ability to fight the English.
Consequences of the English victory for England
English navy strengthened
Elizabeth’s authority enhanced
Foreign policy: stronger alliances in Europe
Protestant cause stronger in England
English navy strengthened
The defeat of the Armada showed the strength of the English Navy. This boosted English confidence to explore.
It also encouraged English merchants to trade with Europe.
Elizabeth’s authority enhanced
The queen took centre stage at a victory parade in London.
Elizabeth was able to portray herself as a military victor.
This is reflected in portraits during the later parts of her reign.
Foreign policy: stronger alliances in Europe
The Anglo Dutch alliance was strengthened.
Protestantism in the Netherlands survived, strengthening the Protestant cause in Europe.
This meant England had Protestant allies in Europe and was no longer isolated.
