1. Why did Philip II of Spain decide to launch his Armada?

2. Learning objective – to be able to explain why Philip II of Spain decided to launch his armada against England.
I can describe the key reasons why Philip II decided to launch his armada against England.
Grade 3
I can explain the key reasons why Philip II decided to launch his armada against England.
Grade 6
I can explain and assess the reasons why Philip II decided to launch his armada against England.
Grade 9

5. When did Philip II decide on launching an invasion?
Plans for launching a Spanish invasion of England began as early as October Two events hastened his plans – Francis Drake’s attacks on the Spanish West Indies in which he captured two towns and treasure worth £30,000. The execution of Mary, Queen of Scots in February 1587.

6. Why did Philip II decide on launching an invasion?
Religious reasons
The Papacy had wanted Elizabeth overthrown since her excommunication in 1570.
Spain had already been involved in failed plots to overthrow Elizabeth.
The Papacy offered forgiveness for sins of those taking part in the Armada.
Political reasons
The Treaty of Joinville meant Spain could attack England without risking war with France.
The Treaty of Nonsuch meant that English soldiers were at war with Spain.
England would be a useful addition to Spain’s empire as it would meant complete control over the Atlantic and the English Channel.
Provocation
Drake’s actions in the New World threatened Spain’s commercial interests.
Elizabeth had given support to Dutch rebels since their rebellion began.
Circumstances
Spain controlled Portugal since 1580 giving it access to more ships and ports.
Duke of Parma had secured Spain’s control over the Netherlands.
Elizabeth’s indecision over war was seen as weakness by the Spanish.

7. What was Philip II’s plan of attack?
Spain – the Armada of 130 ships and around 3,000 men leaves for England.

8. What was Philip II’s plan of attack?
The Netherlands – the Armada lands and collects 27,000 Spanish troops.

9. What was Philip II’s plan of attack?
Kent – the Armada crosses the English Channel and lands the troops on the Kent coast.

10. What was Philip II’s plan of attack?
England – Philip II is led to believe that 25,000 English Catholics will join the Spanish and march on London.

11. What was Philip II’s plan of attack?
The Spanish and English Catholics capture London.
Queen Elizabeth is removed and replaced by a Catholic monarch. England becomes Catholic again.

12. How did Elizabeth prepare to defend England?
Every country was ordered to provide soldiers to defend the coast, warning beacons were set up and trading ships were converted into fighting ships. Drake was sent on a mission to attack Spanish interests in the New World in 1585 to disrupt Spanish resources as well as add to the English war chest. This enraged Philip II of Spain who ordered a speeding up of plans to invade England.

13. How did England delay the Spanish Armada?
Drake persuaded Elizabeth that Attack was the best form of defence and on the orders of the queen, Drake launched a daring raid on Cadiz harbour.
Cadiz was where the Spanish navy was preparing and between 19th and 22nd April, Drake raided Cadiz destroying 30 ships and much of their supplies. Drake then continued to attack Spanish and Portuguese supply and treasure ships along Spain’s southern coastline, bringing home £114,000.
The raid, called the ‘Singeing of the King Spain’s Beard’ was hugely popular in Britain and delayed the Armada by over a year and left the Spanish in confusion and dread.

14. Knowledge questions
Complete the following questions as fully as possible –
Explain why Philip II wanted to launch an invasion of England?
Summarise Philip II’s plan of attack in 50 words.
Can you predict any problems that this plan may cause?
Were Elizabeth’s plans to defend England effective?
How significant was the ‘Singeing of the King of Spain’s Beard’ in ultimately defeating the Spanish Armada?

15. 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.
Pope
Philip II
Drake

16. Plenary
Complete the summary pyramid which helps you summarise the lesson content.