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Elizabeth 1569-88 (Relations with Spain (Anglo-Spanish relations got…

- - - - In 1576, the Spanish Government in the Netherlands was all but bankrupt so eventually, the Spanish forces mutinied for months without pay. They rampaged through Dutch Provinces and finally sacked Antwerp in 1576. The violence in Antwerp united all 17 Dutch Provinces, Protestant and Catholic, against Spain. This produced the Pacification of Ghent which demanded that all Spanish troops were removed from the Netherlands. The restoration of political autonomy and an end to religious persecution.
      - In 1576, Elizabeth sent a loan of £100,000 to the Dutch Rebels and agreed to send an expeditionary force to the Netherlands at some point in the future to ensure the Pacification of Ghent was carried out
      - Less than 6 months later, Philip II sent a new army to attack the Dutch and so Elizabeth hired a mercenary, John Casimir and paid for him to raise an army of 6000 English and Scottish volunteers to help the Dutch. The fact that it was volunteers was important because she didn't send a formal army so they were not officially at war. Casimir's forces devastated Catholic churches which helped them make peace with Spain therefore meaning it all backfired.
      - In 1578, Elizabeth's Privy Councillors, like the Earl of Leicester urged Elizabeth to intervene in the Netherlands directly. The situation was potentially promising for a Dutch victory and an independent Netherlands would be strong but Elizabeth hesitated. Disappointed in her lack of commitment, the Dutch asked France for help and the French Duke of Alencon agreed and came with an army to fight the Spanish.
      - In 1579, the situation in the Netherlands had changed since Philip II sent the Duke of Parma who was a far more effective military leader than Don Juan and then soon the Spanish soon had the upper hand.
      - English allies: the Duke of Alcenon and William of Orange were dead by late 1584 which wasn't good for England as it contributed to restoring Spanish influence
      - In 1572, Protestants in the Netherlands rebelled against Spanish rule. The protestant rebels asked Elizabeth for help when Philip II sent a huge Spanish army against them. Some of Elizabeth's courtiers wanted to send them major help but Elizabeth refused because she didn't want to be known as the 'Protestant Queen of Europe'. She sent money and weapons to them secretly.
      - The Treaty of Joinville united Catholic France and Spain against the Netherlands and England in 1584.
        Dutch Catholics were ready to make peace with Spain, strengthening Philip II's position there.
- - - - There was no communication between the Duke of Parma and the Duke of Medina-Sidonia.
        
        No deep water ports. The Dutch rebels still possessed Ostend and this meant the Spanish Armada could not stop at any ports in the Spanish Netherlands, but had to meet up with the Duke of Parma's army at sea after it had embarked on a series of smaller ships. This made communications very difficult.
        
        Spanish ships lacked supplies and provisions, including food, for a long voyage. The Spanish fleet was at sea for 10 weeks and by early August, the food had rotted. This damaged Spanish morale and their ability to fight the English.
        
        English tactics were superior as they stayed close enough to the Spanish to fire on them but weren't close enough for the Spanish to board. This destroyed numerous Spanish ships while simultaneously protecting English ships.
        
        Drake's use of fireships at the battle of Gravelines was extremely important as it caused the Spanish to panic.
        
        English ships were better armed than the Spanish ships. English ships were smaller and more easily maneuverable which made it easier for them to get away from them. They also had cannons mounted on smaller gun carriages than on Spanish ships. This meant they could be reloaded and fired more quickly than the Spanish cannons. It damaged many Spanish ships and undermined their chances of linking up with the Duke of Parma and invading England.
        
        The Spanish panicked and the key turning point was at the Battle of Gravelines where the English used fireships. Many Spanish captains cut their anchors and allowed theor ships to drift into the North Sea.
    - - Consequences for England:
        
        Victory for the English 'underdog' suggested that God was on the Protestant side. This may have persuaded some Englishmen, who might have wavered between Protestantism and Catholicism, to accept Protestant rule.
        
        The Anglo-Dutch alliance was strengthened, Protestantism in the Netherlands survived, strengthening the Protestant cause in Europe. This meant that England had Protestant allies in Europe and was no longer isolated.
        
        The Queen took centre stage at a victory parade in London and was able to portray herself as a military victor which is reflected in portraits in the later parts of her reign.
        
        The defeat of the Armada showed the strength of the English Navy. This boosted English confidence to explore and it also encouraged English merchants to trade with Europe
      - Consequences for Spain:
        
        The defeat of the Armada was a major military and financial setback for King Philip II of Spain.
        
        However, Spain's war with England continued for the rest of Elizabeth's reign.
        
        Spanish prestige was broken, other countries became more willing to challenge Spain's power. This led to the gradual decline in Spain's empire.