Topic 6 - the Spanish Armada

Question 1

When was Mary, Queen of Scots, executed?

Answer 1

February 1587

Question 2

Who was the commander of the armada?

Answer 2

The Duke of Medina Sidonia

Question 3

Why was Phillip initially against Mary, Queen of Scots?

Answer 3

He believed she would side with France and end Spanish rule in the Netherlands

Question 4

How did Elizabeth support the Netherlands during Spanish holtility?

Answer 4

She gave them money and weapons, and allowed their ships to stay in English ports

Question 5

When was William of Orange assasinated?

Answer 5

1584

Question 6

Who led the south side of the Netherlands, who sided with Spain?

Answer 6

Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma

Question 7

What treaty gave support to Dutch Protestants?

Answer 7

The Treaty of Nonsuch

Question 8

What did Elizabeth agree to in the Treaty of Nonsuch?

Answer 8

She would send 5000 troops and 1000 cavalry to help maintain the Dutch rebellion

Question 9

What were the Spanish Main?

Answer 9

Provinces in south and central America that were ruled by Spain

Question 10

What was a Privateer ship?

Answer 10

A privately owned ship comissioned for war service by the government

Question 11

What did English privateers do in the Spanish Main?

Answer 11

They attacked Spanish treasure ships that were bringing gold and silver back to Spain

Question 12

What did the Spanish nickname Drake?

Answer 12

El Draque (the dragon)

Question 13

How did originally Philip plan on reaching England?

Answer 13

Leave from Lisbon, sail into the Channel and destroy the English fleet, defend troops crossing from the Netherlands, sail up the Thames and overthrow Elizabeth

Question 14

When did Drake attack Cadiz harbour?

Answer 14

20th April 1587

Question 15

How many ships did Drake destroy in Cadiz?

Answer 15

Either 24 or 37 ships

Question 16

What else did Drake damage in Cadiz?

Answer 16

Timber supplies for the Armada, causing issues with Spanish supplies once the Armada set sail

Question 17

How did Philip change his plans?

Answer 17

He was forced to replace the admiral in charge, and he chose the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who didn’t feel capable of the job

Question 18

How did the English plan to warn the country of the Armada?

Answer 18

Warning beacons would be lit and church bells would be rung

Question 19

Who commanded the English navy?

Answer 19

Lord Charles Howard, Duke of Effingham

Question 20

How many ships did the English navy have?

Answer 20

200 ships, with around 140 being converted merchant ships

Question 21

When did the Armada set sail from Lisbon?

Answer 21

28th May 1588

Question 22

Where did the Armada resupply after it was hit by storms?

Answer 22

Corunna, which the Armada left on the 21st July 1588

Question 23

When was the Armada spotted from Cornwall?

Answer 23

29th July 1588

Question 24

How did the crescent formation help the Armada?

Answer 24

The slower, unarmed supply ships went in the middle, protected by heavily armed galleons on the edges and horns

Question 25

How many ships had been lost when the Spanish reached Calais?

Answer 25

Only two ships

Question 26

When did the Armada anchor off Calais?

Answer 26

6th August 1588

Question 27

How were fireships used against the Spanish?

Answer 27

Unmanned ships were filled with tar, gunpowder and loaded cannons and were set adrift towards the anchored Spanish ships. To escape the destruction, the Spanish cut their ropes and set out in all directions, breaking the crescent formation

Question 28

When did the Battle of Gravelines take place?

Answer 28

8th August 1588

Question 29

Where did the English stop persuing the Armada?

Answer 29

The Scottish border

Question 30

Why did the Spanish tactics lead the to failure of the Armada?

Answer 30

The crescent formation was strong when the Spanish were in control, but after the fireships, it made them easily outgunned and easier targets