Spanish Netherlands Flashcards
(8 cards)
When did Spain conquer the Netherlands
1556
Why was Spanish presence in the Netherlands a problem
- Proximity of England and the Netherlands - could be a useful military base for an invasion, the DofAlba had a large army of 10,000 men
- Spain was Catholic and was fighting Protestantism in Europe, if the Dutch were beaten, England would be next
- England did not want to be seen as Europe’s leading protestant Country for this reason - many Dutch rebels fled to England
Why did Spain get angry with England
They offered support to Dutch rebels,in 156 Spain banned the import of English clothes in the Netherlands in fear that they were spreading Prodestantism.
This trade embargo lasted a year
What were Elizabeths choices
Elizabeth could invade and help the Dutch or go to war with Spain but a religious war could create a civil war in England. Spain and France together would overpower England which had not the money or resources.
But at the same time she had to be careful of the dangers of Albas presence
Who were the Sea beggers
Dutch rebels that fled to the sea and became pirates, attacking Spanish ships carrying men and resources ti Alba’s army.
In 1567 Elizabeth began allowing the Sea beggars to shelter in English harbours
What was the council of Troubles
A council in the Netherlands to enforce catholicism and obedience to the Spanish crown, which resulted in condemning thousands to death
What was the Genoese Loan
In 1568, Spanish ships carrying gold to pay Alba’s troops in the Netherlands also took refuge in English ports - from the Sea Beggars. The money was a loan to Philip I from bankers in the Italian city of Genoa. Elizabeth decided to take the gold herself, arguing that since it was a loan it didn’t belong to Spain but to the Italian bankers.
Why did Elizabeth allow all these events to happen (sea beggars, Genoese Loan)
She wanted to make Spains task in the Netherlands as difficult as possible without direct war
