What was the impact of the defeat of the Spanish Armada?

Learning objective – to be able to explain the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. I can describe the key reasons why the Spanish Armada was defeated. Grade 3 I can explain the key reasons why the Spanish Armada was defeated. Grade 6 I can explain and assess the reasons why the Spanish Armada was defeated. Grade 9

What were the key reasons why the Spanish Armada failed? Planning Fighting forces and weapons Leadership and tactics Luck

Why was Philip II’s plan flawed? There was no clear plan about how the armada was going to link up with Parma’s forces in the Netherlands. The Spanish did not control any deep-water ports in either the Netherlands or in England. Therefore, the armada had nowhere to dock in either country. The Spanish Armada was poorly supplied. Because the preparations were made hastily, the armada did not bring enough food and fresh water for a 10 week campaign. Also, the barrels carrying supplies had not been aged which led to the supplies rotting more quickly.

How did the Spanish and English forces and weapons compare? The Spanish ships were much larger and slower than the English ships. The English ships were smaller and quicker and designed for hit and run tactics which the Spanish ships could not cope with. English cannons were quicker to load, had a longer range as well as could be fired consecutively. Spanish cannon was much slower. Also, evidence suggests that Spanish cannonballs were of a much lower quality. The Spanish had much better trained soldiers – but were isolated in the Netherlands held up by Dutch rebels.

How did the Spanish and English leadership compare? In Drake and Howard– England had the best naval commanders. Elizabeth trusted them and allowed them to make on-the-spot decisions. For example, Howard’s decision to send fireships to cause havoc within the armada. This trust led to the English formulating superior tactics, such as the long range attacks in the English Channel and the hit and run tactics in the Battle of Gravelines. This minimised English losses. The Spanish commander was the Duke of Medina Sidonia – an inexperienced military leader who had no experience of fighting at sea and was appointed because of status rather than ability. Philip did not entirely trust Medina Sidonia who kept interfering with his decisions. Also Medina Sidonia’s decision making was flawed, such as his decision to anchor at Calais, making the armada an easy target.

What was the impact of the weather on the Spanish Armada? The summer of 1588 saw unseasonal weather which benefited the English. For example, the fireships were driven by unusual steady breezes. Immediately after the Battle of Gravelines, the armada was driven north into the North Sea. The English decided not to pursue as they were running out of supplies. Once into the North Sea, the armada was battered by gales and storms which accounted for over 40 ships which were wrecked off the coasts of Scotland and Ireland.

What were the consequences of the English victory for England? Elizabeth’s authority was enhanced – Elizabeth had made a famous speech at Tilbury before the invasion and took centre stage at the victory parade. She was now able to portray herself as a successful military leader. National pride – the victory over the Spanish boosted national pride. Stronger position in Europe – the Anglo-Dutch alliance was strengthened with Protestantism surviving in the Netherlands. English navy strengthened – the defeat of the armada strengthened the navy and boosted England’s confidence to explore the world and trade with faraway nations. Protestantism in England – the victory allowed people to think God was on the side of the Protestants.

What were the consequences of the English victory for Spanish? Major financial setback – the armada cost Philip II a significant sum of money. War continued – the defeat of the armada only marked the end of the battle as the Anglo-Spanish war continued and would last beyond Elizabeth’s reign. Spanish prestige broken – from once a seemingly invincible power, the Spanish defeat encouraged others to challenge its power. This marked the beginning of a long decline in the Spanish Empire in Europe. Catholicism – the defeat did not change Philip II’s belief that Catholicism was the one true faith.

Bankrupt Elizabeth I Task The Spanish army was pinned down by the Dutch rebels The English had little gunpowder left near the end of the battle Most of the English fleet was made up of small fighter ships Bad weather forced the Spanish Armada to sail northwards English fireships worked brilliantly Bad weather and disease caused most of the Spanish casualties The Spanish Armada had a strong formation – the crescent The English cannons were especially made for sea battles Drake launched a successful raid on the Armada in Cadiz in 1587 Most of the Armada was made up of transport ships The English were prepared for a long range battle The Spanish Armada ran into bad weather in Scotland and Ireland The English did not have many supplies but could return home quickly Philip II did not give enough time for the Armada to rebuild The Spanish wanted to get up close and fight the English fleet Spanish commanders were inexperienced leaders The Spanish cannons were slow to reload and made for land battles The Armada was equipped for a four week campaign Spain had secured no ports in England or the Netherlands The Spanish forces in the Netherlands were isolated The Spanish ships were much slower than the English ships The English sunk very few Spanish ships at the Battle of Gravelines Both sides has experienced sailors and captains Medina Sidona retreated early and went to the North Sea Cut out the evidence cards below and group them under the categories Leadership, Weapons, Luck, Fighting Forces and Planning. Stick them around the comic strip when you think each card fits.  

Extended task Complete – 2 links that link 2 pictures together. 1 link that links 7 pictures together.