2.4 - Spanish Armada

Question 1

The Spanish Plan

Answer 1

1. under the command of Duke of Medina - Sidonia
2. Armada to sail along English Channel to Calais
3. Parma, one of the best commanders in Europe, march army of 20 000 from the Netherlands to meet the Armada in calais
4. Parma’s army will set sail with the ships
5. Spanish forces to land in Kent and march to London
6. With the support of English Catholics, they will rise up against Elizabeth, and she will have to be overthrown.

Question 2

Problems and doubts before setting sail?

Answer 2

1. What if an English fleet stopped the Armada before they even passed the English Channel
2. Calais was not sheltered at all
3. If either of them were held up (armada or army), this would pose a risk as they can’t act quickly to not be caught.
4. Elizabeth had strong coastal defences and put an army in Kent.
5. What if the Catholics in England did not offer support.

Question 3

What was the big battle called?

Answer 3

The Battle of Gravelines 1588

Question 4

What happened at the Battle of Gravelines?

Answer 4

1. The Fireships scattered the Spanish Fleet.
2. By the time the Armada were regrouped, the English were prepared for battle.
3. Up against faster, more mobile ships with Canons that were easier to load, the Armada was defeated.
4. The winds also scattered the Spanish fleet - most of the destruction was done by the gales.

Question 5

Whilst Philip II had consulted his military commanders, he seems to have avoided their suggestions. On the other hand…

Answer 5

Elizabeth left the key decision making to Drake and other commanders who were incredibly experienced sailors.

Question 6

Consequences of the English Victory?

Answer 6

1. propaganda
2. English Pride
3. The anglo-dutch alliance became stronger
4. showed the strength of the English Navy and superiority in military tactic.

Question 7

Match up of military forces: ships

Answer 7

1. The English had 54 battleships and 140 merchant ships whereas the Spanish had 64 battleships and about 22 galleons. The galleons were really hard to manoeuvre and they were larger so easy targets.

The English ships were light and could nip between them - also used fireships to scatter the spanish - ENGLISH GALLEONS were designed for speed and manoeuverability unlike the Spanish.

Question 8

Match up of military forces: weapons

Answer 8

both the Spanish and the English had 2000 canons yet the English ones had a longer range and were easier to load. Their guns could also fire consecutively - inflicted much more damage quickly.

Question 9

Match up of military forces: admirals

Answer 9

Both sides were experienced, although Spanish sailors were used to the calmer seas of the Mediterranean, and the English privateers were used to stormy weather and dangerous sails.

Question 10

Why did the Armada fail? Poor Communication and Duke of Medina-Sidonia

Answer 10

Medina-Sidonia was inexperienced and got sea sick - he also had difficulty sailing during stormy weather.

Duke of Parma and MS had difficulty communicating so once word reached him that MS was in the channel, they still had 2 days to arrive.

Question 11

Why did the Armada fail? Weather

Answer 11

Protestant wind - God blew and they were scattered

Wind changed direction during Battle of Gravelines

Question 12

Why did the Armada fail? English Tactics

Answer 12

1. Drake’s singeing of the King;s beard destroyed most of their food and resources.
2. English fireships.
3. English led by experienced sailors like Drake.
4. Hawkings designed ships to be faster.