The Spanish Armada: Causes and Failures
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Questions and Answers

What was one of the main reasons the Spanish Armada was sent?

  • Maritime exploration
  • Trade agreements
  • Religious differences (correct)
  • Territorial expansion

Elizabeth I accepted Phillip II's marriage proposal.

False (B)

Name one reason why the Spanish Armada failed.

The Weather

The Spanish Armada was sent in the year _____ with the mission to overthrow Elizabeth I.

<p>1585</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was NOT a reason for sending the Spanish Armada?

<p>Economic Prosperity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following reasons for the Spanish Armada to their descriptions:

<p>Religion = Desire to convert England back to Catholicism Privateering = Spanish ships being attacked by English pirates Mary Queen of Scots = Claim to the English throne Rejection = Elizabeth's refusal of Phillip's marriage proposal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mary Queen of Scots was considered a legitimate heir to the English throne by Catholics.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the reasons cited for the failure due to miscommunication?

<p>Misunderstandings between commanders</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one significant reason Phillip decided to attack England?

<p>He believed he was the rightful King of England. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Spanish Armada successfully defeated the English at the Battle of Gravelines.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the weather have on the Armada's journey?

<p>The weather caused delays and damage to ships, preventing timely repairs.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Spanish Armada set sail in April _____ and faced several challenges during the journey.

<p>1588</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following reasons for the failure of the Spanish Armada with their descriptions:

<p>Inexperienced Admiral = Medina Sidonia had never been to sea before. Weather Issues = Storms caused significant delays and damage. Miscommunication = Messages took too long to communicate between commanders. Anchor Problems = Fire ships forced the Spanish to cut their anchors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did England's support of Dutch Protestants influence Phillip's decision to attack?

<p>It angered Phillip as it was seen as interference. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Medina Sidonia was a highly experienced admiral before leading the Armada.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one primary reason for Philip's religious motivation to send the Armada?

<p>He believed everyone should be Catholic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Spanish Armada was blocked from returning to Spain through the _____ Channel after their defeat.

<p>English</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which event is considered a direct cause leading to the Spanish Armada's failure?

<p>The loss of ships during a storm. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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Flashcards

What was the Spanish Armada?

The Spanish Armada was a fleet of ships sent by Spain in 1585 to invade England, overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and establish Catholicism.

Why was the Spanish Armada sent? (Reason 1)

One reason was the religious difference between Spain (Catholic) and England (Protestant). King Philip of Spain wanted to convert England back to Catholicism.

Why was the Spanish Armada sent? (Reason 2)

Elizabeth's rejection of Philip's marriage proposal was a personal reason for the attack. Philip felt personally offended by Elizabeth's rejection.

Why was the Spanish Armada sent? (Reason 3)

Privateers, similar to pirates, attacked Spanish ships and stole their goods. Elizabeth secretly supported these privateers, despite Spain's complaints. This angered Spain.

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Why was the Spanish Armada sent? (Reason 4)

Mary, Queen of Scots, a Catholic claimant to the English throne, left her claim to Philip. This strengthened his claim to the throne.

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What was the ultimate goal of the Spanish Armada?

The Armada's aim was to capture England and install a Catholic monarch on the throne. The English victory prevented this outcome.

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Why did the Spanish Armada fail?

Poor leadership, bad weather, poorly placed anchors, communication failures, and the Battle of Gravelines all contributed to the Spanish Armada's defeat.

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What was the Battle of Gravelines?

The Battle of Gravelines was a decisive naval battle where the English defeated the Spanish Armada. The English ships were smaller and more maneuverable than the Spanish ships.

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Phillip II's Claim to the English Throne

Phillip II of Spain believed he was the rightful King of England and wanted to reclaim the throne, fueling his desire to invade England.

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English Support of Dutch Protestants

Elizabeth I of England supported the Dutch Protestants in their fight against Spanish rule. This angered Phillip II, providing another reason to attack.

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Spanish Colonial Wealth

Spain's vast wealth from its colonies in the Americas fueled English envy and rivalry. This economic competition added to tensions between the two countries.

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Inexperienced Admiral

The Admiral chosen, Medina Sidonia, had no experience at sea, which significantly hindered the Armada's effectiveness.

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Storm Delays

A powerful storm damaged many Spanish ships, delaying the Armada's departure and affecting its overall readiness.

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Fire Ships and Anchors

The English used fire ships to force the Armada to cut their anchors, disrupting their formation and strategic positioning.

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Communication Challenges

Poor communication between the Armada's commanders, particularly with those in the Netherlands, led to delays and miscoordination.

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Battle of Gravelines

The English successfully defeated the Spanish in the Battle of Gravelines, blocking the Armada's path back to Spain through the English Channel.

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Phillip's Religious Motivation

Phillip II's deep Catholic faith and belief in religious unity drove his desire to reclaim England for Catholicism.

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Admiral's Lack of Experience

The lack of experience at sea and poor leadership of the Admiral significantly contributed to the Armada's downfall.

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Study Notes

The Spanish Armada

  • Purpose: To invade Protestant England, overthrow Queen Elizabeth I, and restore Catholicism.
  • Motivations:
    • Religion: Spain remained Catholic, while England became Protestant. Philip II sought to return England to the Catholic faith.
    • Rejection: Elizabeth I rejected Philip II's marriage proposal.
    • Privateering: England's privateers attacked Spanish ships, and Spain complained but received no satisfaction from Elizabeth.
    • Mary, Queen of Scots: Mary, Queen of Scots, a Catholic claimant to the English throne, left her claim to Philip II. Elizabeth's execution of Mary further fueled Philip's anger.
    • Netherlands: England supported the Dutch Protestants fighting Spanish rule, solidifying the conflict for Philip.
    • Colonies: The rivalry between Spanish and English Empires for colonial resources heightened tension.

Reasons for Failure

  • Admiral: Philip appointed the inexperienced Duke of Medina-Sidonia, who was prone to seasickness.
  • Weather: Storms damaged the Armada, delaying its journey.
  • Anchors: English fire ships forced the Spanish to cut their anchors in the English Channel, disrupting their position.
  • Miscommunication: Poor communication with forces in the Netherlands led to delays and confusion.
  • Battle of Gravelines: The English decisively defeated the Spanish at the battle of Gravelines. The English naval superiority and position in the English Channel blocked the armada's return to Spain.

Author's Views (Michelle Alade)

  • Most Important Reason for Sending Armada: Religion was deemed the most important motivator because of Philip's strong religious convictions.
  • Most Important Reason for Armada's Failure: The inexperienced Admiral Medina-Sidonia was considered the most significant factor in the Spanish Armada's downfall.

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Description

This quiz explores the motivations behind the Spanish Armada's attempted invasion of England and the subsequent reasons for its failure. Key factors include religious tensions, political rejections, and colonial rivalries. Test your knowledge on this significant event in 16th-century history.

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