The Spanish Armada

• The greatest challenge to Elizabeth was first sighted in the English Channel on 29 July 1588. This was the Spanish Armada, a fleet of armed ships sailing towards England in a crescent formation.

  Partly because of religious differences, and partly because of English interference in Spanish affairs in the New World and the Netherlands, King Philip of Spain decided to invade England and attempt to overthrow Elizabeth.

  Elizabeth was expected to protect her people from this invasion.
• Label the differences between the Spanish and English in the Armada

  A) 130

  B) 200

  C) 30,000

  D) 20,000

  E) 14,000

  F) 20,000

  G) 2000]

  H) 200

  I) £3,000,000

  J) £300,000

  
• What were the commanders in Spain and England like?

  Spain - The Duke of Medina Sidonia - little experience of sailing.

  England - Lord Howard of Effingham – little experience of fighting at sea, but Drake and Hawkins were both very experienced.