How was the Spanish Armada defeated in 1588?

Learning objective – to be able to outline the course of events that show the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. I can describe the key features of the story of the Spanish Armada. Grade 3 I can explain the key features of the story of the Spanish Armada. Grade 6 I can explain and assess the features of the story of the Spanish Armada. Grade 9

When did Philip II launch his armada? The Spanish Armada set sail from Cadiz in early July 1588. It sailed in a crescent formation – which at the time was an unbreakable formation. It reached the English Channel on 21st July 1588 aiming to cross it to get to Flanders.

Why wasn’t the Armada halted in the English Channel? The Spanish Armada was first spotted by the English in the Channel on 29th July 1588. This sparked a 8 day engagement, where the English ships kept their distance by firing long range cannon at the Spanish which prevented the Spanish getting close enough to board the English ships. The key confrontations were at Plymouth on 31st July where two Spanish ships were captured and at the Isle of Wight on the 3rd and 4th of August in which the English outgunned the Spanish and prevented them from anchoring there.

What was the impact of English fireships on the Spanish Armada? The Spanish reached Calais on the 6th August with their crescent formation unbroken. Lord Howard, the English Admiral, recognised that the armada would not be beaten unless the formation was broken and therefore the Spanish needed to be attacked when they were not expected it in Calais harbour. Howard’s plan was to send eight unmanned English ships filled with pitch and tar towards the docked Spanish ships and then set them alight. These fireships caused blind panic amongst the Spanish, who fled away from the fireships and their formation was broken.

What was the impact of the Battle of Gravelines? The Spanish fled towards the Netherlands having now no chance to link up with Parma’s army. Seeing the Spanish in disarray, Howard ordered the English to attack the Spanish on the morning of the 8th August. The battle lasted most of the day. The Spanish up against poor weather conditions and the much faster English ships were scattered and defeated losing one ship and over 1,000 men.

What happened after the Battle of Gravelines? The defeated Spanish could not return to Spain through the English Channel as the English navy blocked their way. Instead, the Spanish had to go around the British Isles to get back home. The Armada could not cope with the treacherous coast lines of Scotland and Ireland and gales blew many ships on the rocks and sank them. Around half the ships that left Spain returned. All were badly damaged.

Task Copy the continuum below and place each event in the attempted invasion of the Spanish Armada where you think it fits on it. Write a short paragraph on the key turning point of the attempted invasion. Not important in defeating the attempted invasion of the Spanish Armada. Has some importance in defeating the Spanish Armada. A key turning point in defeating the Spanish Armada. Spanish Armada first spotted off the English coast. Confrontation off Plymouth coast Confrontation off Isle of Wight Howard launches fireships towards the Spanish Armada Battle of Gravelines Spanish Armada flees north – many crash off the Scottish and Irish coast

Bankrupt Elizabeth I Extension Task Complete this hexagon framework by adding words in the blank hexagons which can link with the words in the adjacent hexagons. Explain the links made between the hexagons. Fireships Spanish Armada   Crescent formation