Declining Anglo-Spanish relations 1570-1585

• • 1572, Elizabeth accidentally contributed to the worsening of Anglo-Spanish relations through Sea beggar expulsion.
  • Sparked revolt against Spain's rule due to their occupation.
• • By 1576, Netherland provinces rose against Spanish army "atrocities", producing the Pacification of Ghent.
  • Called for foreign troop expulsion and restoration of autonomy (favoured by Elizabeth).
• • Provinces fought amongst themselves, France prepared to invade the Netherlands (potential benefit of the Anjou marriage to retain English influence).
  • Emergence of two separate entities, Union of Arras and of Utrecht.
  • Spanish made peace through Union of Arras, allowed Duke of Parma to begin reconquest of Northern provinces.
• • 1580, Spanish power strengthened through annexation of Portugal.
  • Elizabeth adopts anti-Spanish position (supported Portuguese pretender).
  • Knighted Francis Drake (circumnavigation, irrigated the Spanish)
• • Negative treatment of the Spanish ambassador.
  • Netherlands situation worsened following 1580 due to Parma gaining momentum.
  • Rebel leader, William of Orange assassinated in 1584.
• Philip II and the Catholic league in France agreed the Treaty of Joinville in 1584, meant Philip the II had no motive to not support Mary QoS.