Voyages of Sir Walter Raleigh Flashcards
Who was Sir Walter Raleigh?
A man who was very loyal to the Queen and became a close favorite after fighting catholic rebels and exploring parts of north and south America.
What were Raleighs and Elizabeths aims?
To have a base to attack Spanish colonies and build a new colony to add to Englands reputation as well as gain access to rich local resources like gold.
What did Queen Elizabeth give to him?
A ship and gunpower worth £400 and he invested his own money too.
What date was his first voyage and how did it go?
- date: 1585
- voyage: 108 male settlers sailed to America and arrived on Roanoke Island, however many fell ill crossing the atlantic, food rotted quickly in the hot and humid climate and relations with the Native Americans were not so good as they got annoyed at them building a fort and taking up resources and therefore they were rescued by Francis Drake when he landed in 1586
What date was his second voyage and how did it go?
- date: 1587
- voyage: More settler families were sent to Roanoke island though they still had a hostile relationship with the Native Americans and couldnt produce enough food. When John White returned to England for more supplies he came back to all the settlers disapeared.
Why did his voyages fail? Though?
> lack of organisation, supplies and hostile relationship with the native Americans
though Raonoke was the first English colony in America and inspired others and prepared them for future expeditions.
How did financial and military motives increase exploration?
> Expansion of trade: England exported a lot of Woollen cloth until 1550s (75% of all exports worth 30-50,000 a year) and since this collapsed in Europe traders needed to find new markets e.g Russia and India for woollen cloth and illegal trade in slaves and other items also increased
conflict with Spain: Spain gained huge riches from the new world (Mexico and Peru with gold and silver mining) and in the 1580s the English began attacking and stealing these riches as the threat from Spain grew (John Hawkins and Francis Drake?
How did spreading ideas and influence motives increase exploration?
> England wanted to spread the Protestant Faith
Elizabeth felt it was their duty to civilise other cultures like the native Americans (“savages”)
How did technical and educational reasons increase exploration?
> increased experience of sailors: English sailors were known experts and had great skill at sea (followed their captains closely)
new learning and knowledge: interested in what was out there and sailors like Drake kept logs of the journey that were printed for people to read
new technology in ships and sailing: magnetic compasses, better ships (galleons) and astrolabe meant that they were able to determine the ships position due to the sun
