England & the Spanish Netherlands (Edexcel GCSE History)

The reign of Elizabeth’s half-sister, Mary I, had reduced the royal treasury. Mary’s husband, Philip II of Spain, fought and lost a costly war with France. 

The conflict between Spain and France did have some benefits. Both countries had different reasons to pursue an alliance with England:

• France wanted England’s support against Spain. Spanish territory surrounded France. The closest country to the north of France was England. If England continued an alliance with Spain, France could face a war on two fronts

• Spain wanted England’s navy. From the 15th century, Spain controlled the Netherlands. To reach the Netherlands, Spanish ships had to sail past England through the English Channel. The English navy may attack Spanish ships

By 1570, it became clear that England could not maintain a positive relationship with Spain. Spain’s treatment of the protestant Dutch worsened.  Elizabeth hesitated in supporting the Dutch Protestants. She relied upon money rather than an armed force to fight against Spain. Elizabeth used Spain’s old enemy, France, to fight on her behalf.

Overall, Elizabeth’s limited intervention in the Netherlands paved the way for the breakdown of Anglo-Spanish relations. Elizabeth’s government believed her hesitance allowed Spain to strengthen their hold over the Netherlands. Her reluctance to use force also destroyed any trust the Dutch had in England. Philip II believed England wanted to destroy Spain’s power. This meant war between the two nations became increasingly likely.

Raise an army in England and fight the Spanish

Europe would see England as a strong Protestant power. The presence of English soldiers would make the Dutch rebels feel supported

In the 1570s, Spain had a much stronger economy and army than England. If Elizabeth supported rebels attacking an anointed monarch, she may encourage English Catholics to depose her

Do nothing to help the Dutch rebels

England would protect its own finances and soldiers. Elizabeth could maintain an acceptable relationship with Spain. She would avoid making the Pope angry

Elizabeth would lose the support of her government. English Protestants would feel let down by their monarch. Elizabeth’s reputation as a Protestant monarch would worsen amongst European Protestants 

Send money to the Dutch rebels

The Dutch rebels would have some English support. They could use the money to buy weapons or mercenaries to fight for their cause

Many Protestants in England felt that giving money to the rebels was not enough. Spain had much more wealth than England. Money would not make the Dutch rebels strong enough to win against Spain

Persuade France to fight against Spain in the Netherlands

France would become the leading power in Europe if they defeated Spain. England would gain a strong ally in France without having to fight Spain

France was a Catholic country. They may object to protecting Protestantism. If France defeated Spain, they could take the Netherlands for their empire