political, religious and commercial rivalry

What were Elizabeth’s aimed foreign policies?

Exploration in the New World

Merchants/Privateers wanted to explore new markets such as Russia, Hamburg, China, India, but specially the New World which had great profit.

However, Spain controlled the Netherlands—the main route into European markets—and the New World—the greates profit of tobacco, sugar cane and rare silver.

Nevertheless, they raided ships and traded illegally. Especially privateers.

What were reasons for conflict in Europe?

Competition

Religion

Territor

What was the impact of alliances in Europe?

Alliances would be a union between two countries for their own benefit. They were very common in 1500s Europe as they rivals with each other. However, they would be broken if not useful

What was the conflict between England, France and Spain?

Spain and France were Catholics, whereas, England was Protestant. They scared Elizabeth as they could form an alliance and attack as they were much wealthier and powerful countries.

However, this didn’t happen as France and Spain were rivals themselves because of territory. Therefore, France wanted to ally with England because they were surrounded by Spanish territory; Spain wanted to ally with England to protect the ships sailling to the Netherlands.

What was the problem with forming an alliance with Spain?

The ships that sailed to the Netherlands were carrying troops and resources for Alba’s army, whichw as known for being counter-reformation.

This was a problem because England wanted to help Netherlands as they were one of the few Protestant countries in Europe.

How did she deal with the Netherlands problem?

She pressured Spain to return the Netherlands under an agreeement made in 1548. She applied pressure in the following ways:

• By indirectly and unofficially helping Dutch Protestant resistance

• By allowing Spanish ships and colonies to be attack by English privateers

• By pursuing friendly relation with France

• By encouraging other to fight against Spain