Spanish Armada and War

• • Organisation took two years, expedition against England.
  • Philip saw himself as a saviour, Catholic crusade.
• • Spanish fleet was enormous, crews commandeered from the Portuguese.
  • Armada was delayed, successful English attack on ships in Cadiz in April 1587
  • Set sail 22nd July 1588.
• • Objective to go to Spanish Netherlands port, Spanish army and Parma would board the ships and land an English invasion.
  • Sighted in Cornwall 29th July, battle in the English channel from 30th July to August 6th.
• Armada forced to return to Spain through Northern route, cost them ships (had to go around the UK).
• Elizabeth wanted national security, faced conflict for survival in court and war against Catholic conspiracy.
• • Shared assumption of national and religious considerations being important.
  • Division in councillors, some wanted to confront Parma and the Netherland's limited resources, others wanted expansive Naval campaign.
• War continued for further 16 years, concluded after deaths of Elizabeth and Philip (failing to end the conflict during her reign).