Elizabethan England

Elizabeth I and the Spanish Armada

Introduction

• Elizabeth I's dilemma regarding war with Spain.

• National security concerns led to soldiers being sent to the Netherlands, increasing to 50,000.

• Elizabeth was hesitant about entering war due to her policy of avoiding foreign continental conflicts.

• Public perception linked war with masculinity and leadership, complicating the justification for military expenses.

Reasons for War

• Religious Conflict

  • Elizabeth was Protestant while Spain was deeply Catholic.

  • Each viewed the other's religion as a threat to their national security.

• Marriage Proposal Rejection

  • Philip II hoped to maintain influence in England by marrying Elizabeth after Mary I's death but was rejected.

  • This fostered bitterness towards Elizabeth and her family.

• Trade and Piracy

  • English ships frequently attacked Spanish vessels in the New World during the 1560s.

  • Richard Rex termed these incidents as marine border skirmishes; piracy escalated tensions.

  • Elizabeth sanctioned piracy, such as the 1568 seizure of a Spanish ship, claiming anti-papal motives.

• Philip II's Power Growth

  • In 1580, Philip claimed the Portuguese throne, establishing an extensive and powerful empire.

  • His ambition posed a direct threat to Catholic England.

• Mary Queen of Scots' Influence

  • Mary's presence in England presented Philip with opportunities to meddle in English politics, as she was a Catholic claimant to the throne.

  • Philip financed various plots to restore Catholicism in England, which increased apprehension in Elizabeth's court.

• Elizabeth's Commitments

  • Elizabeth's support of Dutch rebels and military commitment under the Earl of Leicester (6,000 men) in 1585 marked a turning point.

The Spanish Armada

• Preparation and Strategy

  • Philip commenced preparations for the Spanish Armada, dubbed "La Invencible" in 1587, to invade England.

  • Francis Drake's raid on Cadiz in 1587 delayed Spanish plans.

• Fleet Encounter

  • The Armada set sail on May 28, 1588; encountered poor weather conditions, leading to temporary refuge in Galicia.

  • Despite Elizabeth's advantages, fears remained about a successful Spanish landing.

• Combat Dynamics

  • July 31, 1588, marked the start of a pivotal nine-day battle.

  • British tactics involved long-range cannons; English ships positioned themselves advantageously.

  • The funnel shape of the English Channel aided the English fleet in their defense.

• Key Tactical Decisions

  • Spanish's decision to anchor at Gravelines led to vulnerability as British forces launched fire ships, causing disarray.

  • Forced retreat around the British Isles due to bad weather resulted in significant losses and shipwrecks.

Aftermath

• Impact on Elizabeth's Image

  • The defeat of the Spanish Armada was celebrated in England; Elizabeth hailed as a national savior.

• Continued Conflict

  • Despite initial success, the conflict continued with further attempts by the English to secure dominance over Spanish maritime interests.

  • Elizabeth died on March 24, 1603, with her foreign policy viewed as successful in achieving national security.

Conclusion

• Elizabeth’s war with Philip II encompassed religious, political, and economic elements leading to the rise of tensions and eventual military conflict.

• The defeat of the Spanish Armada became a defining moment in English history, solidifying Elizabeth's legacy.

Study Questions

• Reflect on the motivations behind Elizabeth's decision to declare war on Spain.

• Analyze the tactics utilized during the conflict between the English and Spanish fleets.