Why Did Spanish Armada Fail Flashcards
1
Q
What was Philip’s invasion plan
A
- for Armada (made out of 130 ships) to sail along English Channel to pick up spanish army in the Spanish Netherlands
- armada would then carry army onto south England and march on London
- all catholic’s would then rise to rebellion
2
Q
Who did Philip appoint
A
Duke of Medina Sidonia to lead armada because he was and important noble but he had no experience of being at sea
3
Q
Launch of armada
A
Armada left Libson, Portugal in May 1588, been delayed a year because of Drake’s Raid on Cadiz
- they entered the English Channel in a defensive crescent formation
- they sailed up the channel but followed by English fleet
- Problem because Armada couldn’t communicate with Parma’s army in Netherlands
4
Q
Why was the defensive crescent formation a good tactic
A
-store ships protected in middle and faster, heavily armed ships on outside
5
Q
Fireships and Battle of Gravelines
A
6
Q
Advantages of English ships
A
- formation was broken
- Hawkins designed lighter, faster and more manoeuvrable ships
- they had accurate long-range guns that could be easily reloaded (CULVERINS)
7
Q
Results of battle of Gravelines
A
- ships damaged
- winds changed and forced spanish into north into the dangerous North Sea
- this meant they had no chance of meeting with army
- forced to travel around whole of UK, with storms, no maps and no food
- only 60 ships returned and 20,000 soldiers died
8
Q
Impact of Battle of Gravelines
A
- huge victory for England and they now had great naval power
- however, a lot of money was put into it
9
Q
Aftermath of defeat
A
- Philip was humiliated
- Elizabeth’s Personal Image enhanced and national pride was boosted
- England remained Protestant
