outbreak of war with Spain

• Main cause- englands involvement in Netherlands- border English Channel- important travel route for Spain and England

• Protestants in Netherlands rebelled against Spanish rule in 1572 ‘the Dutch revolt’ - called upon eb as ally in rebellion

• Initially- reluctant to draw England into war couldn’t support financially, didn’t want to leave Protestant allies unsupported, secretly sent money and arms to help rebels, allowed Dutch ships to dock in English port ‘sea beggars’

• Spain sent army in 1578 into battle of gembloux- resounding victory- forced leader of revolt into retreat and assassinated

• Treaty of nonsuch 1585 7000 army money and protection of Netherlands in exchange to access to brill and flushing- agreement for direct involvement- marks start of war

• English army led by Robert Dudley given specific instructions to keep Spain at bay- quarreled with Dutch

• Elizabeth worried costing too much, refused to commit more money or weaponary

• Dudley accepted title governor general of Low Countries- suggested Elizabeth looking to gain physical territory in Netherlands- challenged spains empire- heightened tensions

• Success- slowed army of Spanish through Netherlands, prevented from capturing flushing

• Strengthen defences- placed soldiers and warning beacons along coast- designed to set on fire

• Ordered trading ships to be converted to war ships

• Costly- Elizabeth privately received drakes money 1585 £30,000

• Drakes raids outraged Spain- key reason Phillip sped up plan to attack England

• Drake daring- persuaded Elizabeth to let him carry out most daring raid ‘singeing of the king’s beard’- severely weakened and delayed launch of Spanish Armada

  • Bought England time to prepare

  • Drake set fire to many Spanish ships and ruined supplies

  • Stole treasure ship san felipe and stole £114000- eb use money to fight Spain

England's involvement in the Netherlands stemmed from the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule in 1572, with the English Channel serving as a vital travel route. Initially reluctant, Elizabeth I secretly supported the Dutch rebels with money and arms but hesitated to commit troops. After Spain's victory in 1578, the Treaty of Nonsuch in 1585 marked England's direct involvement, providing 7,000 soldiers in exchange for strategic access. Robert Dudley led the English forces but faced challenges due to lack of resources and tensions with the Dutch. Despite initial successes in slowing Spanish advances, the costly campaign led Elizabeth to reassess her commitment. Notably, Drake's raids weakened Spain and provided funds to England, significantly impacting the war effort against the looming threat of the Spanish Armada.