The Netherlands and events of Cadiz

Treaty of Nonsuch 1585

Promised 7000 troops led by Robert Dudley to support the Dutch rebels (council of state)

Why was the treaty unsuccessful?

• Elizabeth didn’t want war with Spain

• So she didn’t send enough resources

• William Stanley and Robert York defected to the Spanish

• Elizabeth wanted freedom for the Dutch but to still be ruled by Spain whereas Dudley wanted to completely free Spain

Outcome

• Dudley prevented Spanish from capturing the deep water ports in Oostende which became vital in the war as it prevented the Spanish from linking up with the Duke of Palma

• However he could only cause problems for the duke of Palma never actually defeat him

Drakes contribution

\-Singeing of the Kings beard

Ordered by Elizabeth to attack Cadiz a major port in Spain in April 1587

He destroyed 30 ships and a huge amount of the supplies made for the invasion

Consequences

• Spain had to look to its own defences and resupply for a year

• It gave England time to prepare for the armada in 1588b