War with Spain, 1585-1588 (Edexcel GCSE History)

Fear of French intervention.

Spain's superior military strength.

Lack of support from her Privy Council.

England’s secret alliance with Spain.

The damage to Spain's fleet was considerable. Philip had to delay the planned invasion of England for a year.

Spanish admirals knew exactly when Drake would attack. As a result, the raid caused very little damage.

The raid on Cadiz embarrassed Spain. It affected Spain's reputation as a European power throughout the 16th century.

Drake's reputation as a national hero in England increased when he returned.

Since 1570, the Pope had encouraged Spain to fight England. He did not agree with England being Protestant and not allowing Catholics to worship freely.

Philip believed that England would be a valuable colony for the Spanish Empire.

Elizabeth had supported Sir Francis Walsingham’s privateering which had targeted Spanish ships and colonies, especially in the Americas.

Mary, Queen of Scots was executed for treason. As an important Catholic monarch, this gave Philip a reason to attack England.

The galleon ship design. The galleons moved quicker than the Spanish warships and were easier to turn around to attack the enemy.

England had better naval technology like the astrolabe. This helped the English Navy locate the Spanish Armada quickly.

England used better naval tactics. The deployment of longboats scattered the Armada from their crescent formation.

English ships had larger cannons with a shorter range. The Armada were unable to use their cannons as the English were too close for them.

Spain did not have enough guns to fight the English ships.

Delays and poor-quality barrels caused Spain's food provisions to rot.

There was a lack of communication between the Duke of Medina-Sidonia and the Duke of Alba.

Philip II had little naval experience. The order for the Armada to anchor in Dover made the fleet an easy target for the English Navy.

The death of the Duke of Parma marked a stronger desire for an alliance between France and Spain. England could no longer use France’s military strength against Spain. England would have to face Spain without an ally.

William of Orange was murdered. Spain could easily defeat the Dutch rebels. Philip could target England next.

Mary, Queen of Scots was executed. Philip now had the excuse he needed to invade England and depose Elizabeth for a Protestant monarch.

The Treaty of Nonsuch joined the Catholic League to Philip II of Spain. Spain and France had become allies against Protestantism. The eradication of English Protestantism could become France and Spain’s next objective.

Mary bestowed her claim to the English throne onto Philip II upon her death. This gave more motivation for Spain to attack England.

Mary’s death reduced Anglo-Spanish tensions. There was no alternative Catholic monarch that could replace Elizabeth.

Elizabeth’s decision to execute Mary gained Philip’s respect for her as a female monarch. She took the correct action to eradicate a threat to her position.

Mary’s death worsened England’s relationship with France. The Duke of Alençon refused to fight for Elizabeth because of the decision, making England vulnerable to Spain.

The ‘Singeing of the King of Spain’s Beard’ was unimportant because Philip II still assembled the Armada straight after this event.

The ‘Singeing of the King of Spain’s Beard’ was important because attacking Philip II was a personal embarrassment.

The ‘Singeing of the King of Spain’s Beard’ was important because Drake’s actions gained the respect of Philip II.

The ‘Singeing of the King of Spain’s Beard’ was very important. Drake’s actions delayed the Spanish Armada for a year, contributing to its defeat.

England was better prepared for the Armada. England had more cannons than the Spanish. Having more firepower is key to winning a naval conflict.

Spain was better prepared for the Armada. Their sailors blockaded England meaning that they had access to fresh food every day which made their army stronger.

England was better prepared for the Armada. Lord Howard of Effingham commanded the English Navy. He had better naval tactics than the Duke of Medina-Sidonia.

Neither side was prepared for the Armada. Spain had limited planning time for the attack and the English were taken by surprise.

Philip’s leadership was not important because he did not directly command the Armada. It was the Duke of Medina-Sidonia that was responsible for the defeat of the Armada.

Philip’s leadership was not important. Philip allowed Medina-Sidonia to take the initiative in the battles due to his naval experience. This ultimately led to the defeat of the Armada.

Philip’s leadership was important because Philip did not listen to his commanders' advice and picked Medina-Sidonia, who had little naval experience. These reasons contributed to the defeat of the Armada.

Philip’s leadership was important. Philip was in command of the Armada. He changed his decision numerous times during the Armada which caused poor decisions like anchoring the Armada in Calais. This caused the Armada’s defeat.