Why did England go to war Flashcards
By the 1570s, which two countries had emerged as commercial rivals?
England and Spain
What did Spain prohibit concerning trade with their colonies?
Other countries trading with their colonies
What actions did English sailors take against Spanish treasure ships?
Attacked Spanish treasure ships
What did the treasure ships carry from South America to Spain?
Gold and silver
Who unofficially supported English piracy in return for a share of the riches?
Elizabeth I
Who was regarded as the most notorious of all English pirates?
Francis Drake
In what year did Francis Drake attack Nombre de Dios?
1572
How much silver did Drake steal from Nombre de Dios?
Silver worth £20,000
What was the approximate modern value of the £20,000 stolen by Drake?
About £30 million
What was the value of the cargo Drake stole from the Cacafuego in 1579?
£140,000
True or False: The events of Drake’s piracy occurred after the war broke out in 1585.
False
What was the name of the Earl of Leicester?
Robert dudley
Who was a leader of the rebellion against Spanish rule in the Netherlands?
William of Orange
William of Orange was motivated by the persecution of Dutch Protestants and advocated for freedom of belief.
What did Elizabeth do to support the Dutch rebels against Spain?
Sent money and weapons secretly
Elizabeth also allowed Dutch rebel ships to shelter in English ports.
In what year did Philip send a larger army led by the Duke of Parma to the Netherlands?
1578
The Duke of Parma was responsible for restoring Spanish control over the Netherlands.
What was the outcome of William of Orange’s appeal to the French Duke of Anjou?
The Duke was forced to leave in 1583
He became unpopular with the Dutch people.
What significant event occurred in 1584 that threatened the Protestant rebellion?
William of Orange was assassinated
This event led to fears of defeat for the Protestant rebels.
What was the Treaty of Nonsuch?
An agreement for direct English involvement in the Netherlands
Signed by Elizabeth in 1585, it included sending an army to help the rebels.
How many troops did Elizabeth send to assist the Dutch rebels in 1585?
7000
This direct military involvement escalated tensions with Spain.
What was the reaction of Spain to England’s military involvement in the Netherlands?
Enraged
Spain perceived England as laying claim to the Netherlands.
What was the significance of the Earl of Leicester’s arrival in the Netherlands?
Boosted Dutch spirits
However, the campaign faced challenges and was not very successful.
What title did Leicester accept that angered Elizabeth?
‘Governor General of the Low Countries’
This title suggested English control over the Netherlands, further enraging Spain.
What was one effect of the English army’s presence in the Netherlands?
Slowed down the advance of the Spanish army
It prevented the capture of the deep-water port of Flushing.
True or False: From 1585, Philip and Elizabeth officially declared war between Spain and England.
False
Although there was no formal declaration, both sides considered themselves at war.
What was Philip II’s religious affiliation?
Strongly Catholic
Philip II hated the Protestant religion, including in England.
What was Philip II determined to do regarding Protestantism?
Stamp out Protestantism wherever it appeared
He saw it as his life’s work to return countries to the Catholic Church.
What actions did Philip II take against Elizabeth I?
Involved in Catholic plots against Elizabeth
He particularly disliked penalties against Catholics in England during the 1570s.
What fears arose with the arrival of Catholic priests in England?
Increased fears of a religious crusade
A holy war with a religious purpose, usually to recapture and convert lands.
How long did Philip II refrain from taking action against England after Elizabeth made it Protestant?
Over 25 years
He did not want war with England at that time.
What did Philip II do in response to the Pope’s excommunication of Elizabeth in 1571?
Did not listen to the Pope’s order to attack Elizabeth
The Pope had ordered Catholic rulers to attack Elizabeth.
What territories did Philip II rule as King of Spain?
Spain, the Netherlands, and land in South America
The Netherlands was an important trading country.
What significant role did Philip II take on in 1580?
Became the King of Portugal
This added to his power and influence.
Who were Francis Drake and the Earl of Leicester in relation to Philip II?
Seen as direct interference in his affairs
Their activities in the New World and the Netherlands angered Philip.
Which country was Philip II more worried about than England?
France
He was concerned about Mary, Queen of Scots’ strong links to France.
What was Philip II’s stance on Mary, Queen of Scots replacing Elizabeth?
Did not like the idea
Despite being a Catholic, he feared she would align England with France.
What actions did Philip II take regarding Catholic plots and rebellions in the 1570s/80s?
Involved in plots but did nothing concrete
He never sent an army to support Mary, Queen of Scots.
