Trade rivalry

• Francis Drake was an English sailor during the Elizabethan Era who is famous for his raiding of Spanish ships in the Atlantic and later the Pacific
• Between 1570-71, Elizabeth ordered Drake to capture Spanish ships and seize their cargo while in the West Indies
• In 1572, Elizabeth hired Drake as her privateer. He then went to Panama and capture 40000 pounds of Spanish silver
• In November 1577, Drake set off for the tip of South America to bring back gold, silver and spices
• By 1580, Spain had lost around 400000 pounds worth of Spanisb treasure. Some Spanish land was lost to Drake, such as the New Albion in the North of Mexico
• Drake's achievements showed Spain that England would not tolerate Spanish control in America. It made England be seen as a strong, seafaring nation
• The Spanish gave Drake the nickname 'the dragon'
• The Netherlands was important for trade by the English as it was located strategically, having access to Germany, France and the Baltic region
• Spain and England were competing for resources in the 1570s, such as ones in China and Russia
• Spanish control of the Netherland and the Scheldt blocked off some of England's main trade routes in Europe which was used by English traders
• All trade to England under Spanish control had to be licensed by the Spanish government, which was a struggle for English traders
• Elizabeth giving Drake a knighthood showed Spain her direct support of his actions