Unit 2.2/3 - Outbreak of War w/Spain Flashcards
(13 cards)
Who was Sir Francis Drake?
An English Merchant who made his name and fortune trading in the New World.
Elizabeth had invested a lot of money in his voyages and made a lot of money through hi.
What was a privateer?
a pirate who went and traded in other countries - Drake
What happened to Drake in 1572?
He’s hired as a privateer by Elizabeth. She got a good return on the money she invested in his voyage.
Why was Drake’s actions a problem for Spain?
- needed a license to trade in Spanish colonies - Drake never had a Spanish license to trade legally.
- Stole from the New World which was primarily controlled by the Spanish.
- Attacked Spanish colonies and disrupted their valuable trade - a main source of income and a reason for Spain’s domination was thanks to these colonies - by doing so, they were sending a message of defiance to Spain.
What kind of things did privateers bring back from the New World?
silver, gold, spices and other valueables.
What was the nae of the ship that Drake circumnavigated with? Why was it significant?
Golden Hind
- Exploration and Naval Power
Drake’s voyage in the Golden Hind showed that England was becoming a major naval power.
It challenged Spanish dominance and opened up new trade routes and opportunities for the English.
- Anglo-Spanish Relations
Drake’s circumnavigation included attacks on Spanish ships and ports, which increased tensions with Spain.
His return to England with Spanish treasure helped fund the crown and angered Philip II, leading toward war (including the Spanish Armada in 1588).
- Elizabethan Propaganda
Queen Elizabeth I knighted Drake aboard the Golden Hind in 1581 — this was a political statement, celebrating England’s naval ambition and defiance of Spain.
The ship became a symbol of Elizabethan glory and imperial ambition.
Drake boosted the Crown’s ________
finances
Why did England go to war w/ Spain? 1. Religious Rivalry
- Elizabeth’s religious settlement 1559 - Philip viewed Elizabeth’s settlement as heretical, as he was a devout Catholic who wanted to return countries to the Catholic Church.
- The Pope Excommunicated Elizabeth in 1570 encouraging Catholic defiance against her.
- Philip was involved with many plots at home.
- The execution of MqS was seen as the murder of a Catholic martyr.
Why did England go to war w/ Spain? 2. England’s direct involvement with The Netherlands
- Elizabeth knew it was advantageous at first to keep Spain occupied with the Dutch so she sent money and weapons secretly to the rebels and let the Sea Beggars shelter in English harbours.
- Problem grew and Duke of Parma arrived with army - presence of army began to worry Elizabeth, as they were in close proximity.
- Had to defeat Spanish army so they retreat.
- Treaty of Nonsuch - sends army led by Earl of Leicester - Spanish and English armies were now facing each other and the other countries were at war.
Effect of the Treaty of Jonville and Treaty of Nonsuch?
1584; 1585
Catholic France and Spain were now allied against Protestants and Elizabeth was actively supporting Dutch Protestants against Spain - effectively puts them at war.
Problems Earl of Leicester had in the Netherlands?
Dudley was sent by Elizabeth I to lead English forces in support of Dutch rebels against Spanish rule.
Failure to unite Dutch factions: Dudley struggled to get support from both Protestant and Catholic Dutch provinces.
Unpopular with the Dutch: Seen as a foreigner trying to impose English control, which caused mistrust and divisions.
Poor military performance: Dudley’s forces failed to achieve key victories, including the siege of Antwerp (1585).
Conflict with Dutch leaders: Dudley had strained relations with key leaders like William the Silent.
Failure to defeat the Spanish: Despite English support, Spanish forces continued to control large parts of the Netherlands.
Reputation damage for Elizabeth: Dudley’s failure reflected badly on Elizabeth’s foreign policy and weakened her position.
Increased Anglo-Spanish tensions: Dudley’s failure pushed England and Spain closer to open conflict, leading to the Spanish Armada in 1588.
Dudley recalled: After his failure, Dudley was recalled to England, marking the end of his influence in Dutch affairs.
What did Dudley do that put Elizabeth in a very difficult position?
Accepted the title of governor general of the Netherlands on her behalf, implying that she was deposing Philip 2 as the King of the Netherlands.
What was the Singing of the King’s Beard?
Since 1586, Spain had been preparing for the Armada In 1587, Elizabeth ordered Drake to attack Spain’s navy. On 19th April, Drake sailed into Cadiz harbour, Spain’s most important Atlantic port, and over 3 days, he destroyed 30 ships.
