War with Spain, 1585-1588 Flashcards
Why did Elizabeth and Philip go to war in 1585?
Over Netherlands
When did Elizabeth sign the Treaty of Nonsuch and what was it?
1585- it placed Netherlands under her protection and promised them direct military assistance.
Religious factor in the signing of Treaty of Nonsuch
Elizabeth wanted to protect Dutch Protestantism and prevent Philip from forcing Catholicism on the Netherlands.
Commercial factor in signing of Treaty of Nonsuch
The Netherlands ports were essential entry points in Europe for most English exports.
Military factor of signing of Treaty of Nonsuch
If the rebels were defeated, Philip might use Netherlands as a base for an invasion of England
Who was appointed to lead the military expedition to the Netherlands?
Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester
What position did Dudley accept when he entered Netherlands? How did Elizabeth think Philip would react?
Governor-General, it would provoke Philip greatly as it suggest Elizabeth was taking Netherlands for herself
How was Dudley’s military campaigns in 1586-87?
Unsuccessful- he suffered heavy defeats at the hands of the Spanish general, the Duke of Parma
Reasons for the failure of the English campaigns in the Netherlands
- Dudley wasn’t a talented general
- His officers were bitterly divided over questions of strategy
- Dudley had a very small army compared to the number of Spanish troops
- The English army was poorly equipped
- Elizabeth didn’t provide sufficient funds to pay the English troops
