Spanish Armada

• Who was annoyed with Elizabeth I due to her 'Middle Way' and the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots?

  Philip II of Spain
• Why was Elizabeth I supporting Dutch Protestants?

  They were rebelling against Philip II's rule in the north of the Netherlands
• What agreement did Elizabeth I sign in 1585 with the Dutch rebels?

  The Treaty of Nonsuch
• What was the purpose of the Treaty of Nonsuch?

  To become the Protector of the Dutch rebels and send troops to help them
• When did Philip II start preparing the Armada?

  1586
• What setback did Philip II face before launching the Armada?

  Sir Francis Drake attacked his ships in Cadiz
• In what year did Philip's Armada finally set out?

  1588
• Who was the Spanish Commander of the Armada?

  The Duke of Medina Sidonia
• Where did the Duke of Medina Sidonia sail to join extra troops?

  Calais
• What was the purpose of Elizabeth's speech at Tilbury?

  To motivate her troops
• What tactic did Sir Francis Drake and his troops struggle against?

  The strong Spanish crescent formation
• What event caused the delay in Calais for the Spanish Armada?

  The English sent Fireships into the Spanish ships
• What was the outcome of the Fireships' attack on the Spanish formation?

  It broke up the Spanish formation and caused the ships to scatter
• What was the result of the Battle of Gravelines?

  It was an English victory
• How many ships did Spain lose at the Battle of Gravelines?

  At least 3 ships
• How many men did Spain lose at the Battle of Gravelines?

  1,000 men
• What happened to the Spanish forces after the Battle of Gravelines?

  They fled and ended up shipwrecked, sunk, or landed in hostile Scotland
• Why was the Armada considered a serious threat to England?

  England's defenses and army were not strong
• How did privateers led by Drake weaken Spain?

  By attacking Spanish ships and raiding gold
• What was the significance of using fire ships against the Spanish Armada?

  It broke the crescent formation leading to an English victory
• How did bad weather affect the Spanish Armada?

  It forced the Spanish to sail north where many were destroyed
• What was the final outcome of the Spanish Armada's invasion attempt?

  The invasion was called off
• What were the key factors that contributed to the defeat of the Spanish Armada?

  • Attacks on Spanish ships by privateers led by Drake
  • Use of Fireships to break the Spanish formation
  • Bad weather affecting the Spanish fleet
  • English motivation and strategy during the battle