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===Background===In With defeat of the sixteenth centuryArmada, Europe was divided into two mutually hostile religious groups. The North of Europe was dominated by Protestantism and the south was mainly Catholic. England had become a Protestant realm by the mid-sixteenth century, but this serious European naval power. Britain's navy was opposed by many Catholics. Contrary to popular belief, Catholicism had been popular in England before the Reformation and many people still sympathized with what they called foundation of the ‘old religion.’<ref> Duffy, Efuture British Empire. Stripping As a result of the Altars (Cambridgefailed invasion, Cambridge University Pressby Catholic Spain, 2000), p. 113</ref> Queen Elizabeth, I initially pursued a moderate religious policy to minimize religious conflict between Catholic England became more self-consciously Protestant and Catholicism became increasingly unpopular and Protestantwas viewed as anti-English. However, Elizabeth soon found herself under pressure from The English also saw the great Catholic power defeat of the time, SpainArmada as an act of divine providence. It confirmed to them that England was the dominant Catholic power in Europe because of its vast territories in Europe and the Americasa kingdom destined for greatness.
The Spanish ====Background====[[File: Armada 3.jpg|150px|thumbnail|left|King Phillip II of Spain-mortal enemy of Elizabeth I]]In the sixteenth century, Europe was an ardent Catholic and he had divided into two ambitions, the first mutually hostile religious groups. The Northern Europe was to return the dominated by Protestants to regimes and the south was mainly Catholic faith and to expand . England had become an increasing Protestant state by the power of Spainmid-sixteenth century. The Spanish King Contrary to popular belief, Catholicism had been married to Mary I of popular in England before the Reformation and it seemed that for a time that England would become part of many people still sympathized with what they called the Spanish dominions‘old religion. However’<ref> Duffy, E. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0300108281/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0300108281&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=b06f0eb9358da3a5da4c6146421bcff6 Stripping of the coronation of Altars]</i> (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2000), p. 113</ref> Queen Elizabeth I had changed all of this and she was determined on the First initially pursued a moderate religious policy of independence to minimize religious conflict between Catholic and Protestant. However, Elizabeth soon found herself under pressure from Spain. Spain wanted to force the English back into - the preeminent Catholic fold and to end power in the attacks of English pirates on their shipping world at that time. Spain's influence reach stretched across Europe and colonies in into the Americas.
Elizabeth, I The Spanish King Phillip II was an ardent Catholic and he had encouraged English privateerstwo primary ambitions. First, such as Sir Francis Drake he wanted to return all Protestants back to mount attacks on Spanish targetsthe Catholic faith. Elizabeth sought Second, he hoped to to limit expand the growing power of Spain and . The Spanish King had been married to secure some Mary I of the riches ‘of the America colonies England and it seemed that for her subjectsa time that England would fall under Spanish influence.’<ref> HolmesHowever, Richard. <i>The Oxford Companion the coronation of Elizabeth I had fundamentally altered this dynamic because she was determined to Military History</i> (Oxford, Oxford University Pressmaintain England's independence from Spain. 2001)Spain, p. 214</ref> The English Queen also supported on the Dutch in their revolt against Phillip II. Relations between Spain and England began to deteriorate and by the mid-1580s the two countries were in an undeclared warhand, that was wanted to last force the rest of Elizabeth’s reign. Spain was English back into the richest Catholic fold and end the most powerful Empire in Europe attacks of English pirates on their ships and Phillip decided that he would invade England, believing that if he was successful it would help him to secure many of his strategic objectives colonies in Europe. The Spanish presented the Armada as a Catholic crusade and it was partially funded by the PapacyAmericas.
===The Spanish Armada=== [[File: Armada 4.jpg|350px|thumbnail|left| A contemporary painting of the Armada]]The launch of the Armada Elizabeth, I had been delayed several timesencouraged English privateers, including once because of a raid by the English such as Sir Francis Drake to mount attacks on CadizSpanish targets. The Spanish Armada was a fleet Elizabeth sought to limit the power of 130 ships Spain and it first left the port to secure some of Coruna in August 1588, under the command of riches ‘of the Duke of Medina SidoniaAmerica colonies for her subjects.’<ref> Holmes, the most powerful noble in SpainRichard.<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0198662092/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0198662092&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=94311aba3c2131eec83402c57e9f3338 The Oxford Companion to Military History]</i> Holmes(Oxford, Oxford University Press. 2001), p. 215214</ref> The fleet was ordered to sail to English Queen also supported the English Channel Dutch in their revolt against Phillip II. Relations between Spain and England deteriorated rapidly and transport a large army by the mid-1580s the two countries were in Flanders into Englandan undeclared war. The aim of the invasion A war that was to depose Elizabeth I and to reimpose Catholicism on last until the English peopleend of Elizabeth’s reign. The fleet Spain was an impressive one the richest and the Spanish were experienced, sailors most powerful Empire in Europe and navigatorsPhillip decided that he would invade England. However, the commander Medina-Sidonia was old and relatively inexperienced and He believed that if he was successful it would help him to commit mistake after mistakesecure many of his strategic objectives in Europe. The Spanish presented the Armada as a Catholic crusade and it was partially funded by the Papacy.
Medina-Sidonia could regroup his ships The Spanish fleet despite its numerical advantage did not attack the English fleet based at Portsmouth and decided instead sailed to Calais. The Spanish army under the Duke of Parma was advancing to withdraw Calais to Spain and the attempt be transported to invade England was over. Now However, the Armada sought only to survive and return to Spain. The inclement weather English navy under Drake and a strong south-western meant that Howard attacked the Spanish could not return via the English Channel Armada with fireships, and this wind was the start of what became known in England as a ‘Protestant Windthe Battle of Grave lines.’<ref>McDermott The English tactic of using fire-ships, James. England created panic among the Spaniards and the Spanish Armada: The Necessary Quarrel. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2005), Pfleet was broken up into small groups of ships. 215</ref> The Spanish Commandbattle lasted over a week with both sides launching attacks. However, which could not communicate with Madrid Medina-Sidonia decided to round the British Isleswithdraw. The Armada sailed around Scotland but all the while This decision was harried by the English fleet. The weather was very unseasonable for decisive as it meant that time of years and the fleet of Phillip II Spanish army was battered by gales and storms. As unable to rendezvous with the Armada made their way around Scotland the suffered many lossesinvasion army. Many more ships were wrecked on the west coast of Ireland Drake and the survivors other English commanders were hunted down and killed by natives loyal happy to let the English crown.<ref>T. P. Kilfeather. <i>Ireland: Graveyard of Armada sail away from the Spanish Armada</i> (Anvil Books, 1967), pinvasion force. 167</ref> By the time that Then a strong wind from the remnants of southwest forced the Spanish invasion fleet made it to Spain over two-thirds of sail to the original Armada had been lost. The undeclared Anglo-Spanish War did not end with the defeat of north and into the Armada but was to continue until 1604 and ended in a stalemateNorth Sea.
===England’s salvation===The Spanish Armada is one of the great ‘ifs’ in historyMedina-Sidonia tried to regroup his ships and withdraw to Spain. If the Spanish ships had been able This ended Spain's attempt to rendezvous with the army of Flanders and transported invade England was over, but it across did not end the ChannelArmada's problems. At this point, then it is quite likely that England would have been defeated. The Spanish army was considered the Armada sought only to be the best in Europe at this time survive and it was composed not only of Spanish veterans but also German veteransreturn to Spain. The English army was mainly composed of local militias Unfortunately, inclement weather and was poorly led and trained. In a set piece battle, on land, it seems likely strong south-western wind meant that the Spanish would have overcome could not return via the English and deposed Elizabeth IChannel. The kingdom of This wind later became known in England would have become part of the Spanish Empireas a ‘Protestant Wind.’<ref>McDermott, James. <i>[https://www.amazon. Phillip II did not plan to rule it directly but planned to place a Catholic on the throne and they would have been the ally com/gp/product/030010698X/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=030010698X&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=f473dc1cecf6852131ce8bd6e86de229 England and dependent of the Spanish. Armada: The defeat of the Armada prevented this from happening and it secured the independence of England and allowed her to become a world power by the eighteenth century.Necessary Quarrel]<ref/i> Holmes. (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2005), pP. 257215</ref>
===The Spanish Command, which could not communicate with Madrid decided to round the British Isles. The Armada and Religion===[[File: Armada 2.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|sailed around Scotland but the English fireships attacking navy continued to harry the Spanish vessels at fleet. The weather was very unseasonable for that time of year and the Battle of Grevellines]]Phillip II wanted to return England to Catholicism's fleet was battered by strong gales and massive storms. If As the Armada had been successful then it seems likely that a Catholic king or queen would have been placed made their way around Scotland they began to lose ships. Many more ships were wrecked on the throne. They would have had west coast of Ireland and the power survivors were hunted down and killed by natives loyal to overturn the Protestant establishment in the countryEnglish crown.<ref>T. P. Kilfeather. <i>[https://www.amazon. No longer would the Church com/gp/product/B0013K2KD6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0013K2KD6&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a486270d446af7bb1840eb37dd11d649 Ireland: Graveyard of England be the state church and once again Spanish Armada]</i> (Anvil Books, 1967), p. 167</ref> By the Catholic Church would have been time that the only recognized religion in remnants of the realm. Phillip II believed that Spanish invasion fleet made it to Spain over two-thirds of the original Armada was right for a monarch to ensure religious conformity in their kingdomlost. It seems most likely that While the defeat of the new Catholic monarch would have persecuted Protestants in much Spanish Aramade did not end the same way as Mary I had during her reign. Now while Catholicism undeclared Anglo-Spanish War which would have been continue until 1604, it made if difficult for Spain to to get the state religion this would not have seen upper hand. Eventually, the end of Protestantism conflict ended in Englanda stalemate.
By ====England’s salvation====The Spanish Armada is one of the 1580s great ‘ifs’ in history. If the Church Spanish ships had been able to rendezvous with the army of Flanders and transport it across the Channel, then England may have been defeated. The Spanish army was considered to be the best in Europe at this time and it was supported by most composed not only of Spanish but German veterans. The English people army was mainly composed of local militias and they was poorly led and trained. In a set piece battle, on land, the Spanish forces would most likely have resisted any attempt to reimpose the Catholic faithbeen victorious and deposed Elizabeth I. It seems likely that The kingdom of England would have suffered a series become part of Religious Wars similar the Spanish Empire. Phillip II did not plan to France in rule it directly but planned to place a Catholic on the sixteenth centurythrone. Philip wanted an ally that would become dependent on Spain. However, the failure The defeat of the Armada meant that prevented this from happening and secured the Church independence of England was now more secure than ever before. Increasingly, the English people began England's victory allowed her to see themselves as become a Protestant people. They saw Protestantism as an integral part of Englishness and important for their freedom. Many English people became even more anti-Catholic after major world power by the Armada. ‘Popery’ as they referred to Catholicism was associated with autocracy, intolerance, and slavery. This anti-Catholicism was an important aspect of English political life for many yearseighteenth century.<ref>Bridgen, Susan. <i>New Worlds, Lost Worlds: The Rule of the Tudors, 1485–1603</i>. New York, NY: Viking Penguin, 2001)Holmes, p. 115257</ref> It is arguable that the main losers in the Armada apart from all those who died in the conflict were English Catholics.
After the Armada, Catholics known as ‘recusants’ because they refused to recognize the Church of England came under official and unofficial pressure to conform to the state religion<ref> Bridgen, p. 234<dh-ad/ref>. Even loyal Catholics became suspect and as a result, more and Catholics converted to Protestantism. By the end of the reign of Elizabeth, England was a Protestant nation, with only a small and oppressed Catholic minority. The Armada had played an important role in this process. Phillip II had attempted to overturn the religious settlement in England but his attempted invasion only strengthened it. The people of England began to see themselves in providential terms and in biblical terms as an ‘elect nation’ <ref> Krishan Kumar. The making of English national identity (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2003), p. 45</ref>. They believed that they were chosen by God to carry out his will and this gave them a new-found confidence. This sense of mission was one that was very important in later decades and was an important factor in the growth of English power, especially in the seventeenth and eighteenth century.
If By the Spanish Armada had been a success then 1580s, the Church of England was supported by most English people and they would have resisted any attempt to reimpose the Catholic faith. Still it seems is likely that the English England would not have been able suffered a series of Religious Wars similar to successfully plant colonies France in North America. In the early seventeenth sixteenth century. However, English colonies were found at Plymouth Rock and Jamestown. If the Spanish had placed one failure of their candidates on the throne Armada meant that the Church of England then this may never have occurredwas now more secure than ever before. The defeat of Increasingly, the Armada English people began to see themselves as a Protestant people. They saw England emerge Protestantism as, if not a dominant naval power but an integral part of Englishness and important one, that had for their freedom. Many English people became even more anti-Catholic after the means Armada. ‘Popery’ as they referred to establish colonies Catholicism was associated with autocracy, intolerance, and to trading companies such as the East India Companyslavery. This anti-Catholicism was an important aspect of English political life for many years.<ref>HolmesBridgen, pSusan. 256<i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0142001252/ref>. Its naval capability was in the long=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0142001252&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-term to directly to lead to the growth and development 20&linkId=128a402be47987e0bd3742b14adafb3d New Worlds, Lost Worlds: The Rule of the British EmpireTudors, 1485–1603]</i>. New York, NY: Viking Penguin, 2001), p. 115</ref>
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[[File: Armada 32.jpg|200px390px|thumbnail|left|King Phillip II English fireships attacking Spanish vessels at the Battle of Spain-mortal enemy of Elizabeth IGrevellines]]The defeat and destruction of the Spanish Armada (1588 is seen by many as the high point of Elizabeth I’s of England’s reign. If the Armada had been successful then it could have changed the course of English and indeed, world history. The defeat of the Armada was to have profound consequences for England. The first consequence of the English victory was that it secured the independence of that kingdom.
The defeat and destruction of the Spanish Armada led to England becoming a naval power and this was to prove important in 1588 is seen by many as the foundation high point of Elizabeth I’s of the future British EmpireEngland’s reign. As a result of If the failed invasionArmada had been successful, by Catholic Spain, England became more self-consciously Protestant it could have changed the course of English and, Catholicism became very unpopular and seen as anti-Englishworld history. The defeat of the Armada was an act had profound consequences for England. The first consequence of divine providence and it confirmed the opinion of many English victory was that England was a kingdom destined for greatness and this was to play a very important role in English national identity for many centuriesit secured its independence.
====The Spanish fleet despite its numerical advantage did not attack Armada====[[File: Armada 4.jpg|350px|thumbnail|left| A contemporary painting of the Armada]]The launch of the Armada had been delayed several times, including once because of a raid by the English fleet based at Portsmouth and instead sailed to Calaison Cadiz. The Spanish army Armada was a fleet of 130 ships and it first left the port of Coruna in August 1588, under the command of the Duke of Parma Medina Sidonia, the most powerful noble in Spain.<ref> Holmes, p. 215</ref> The fleet was advancing ordered to Calais sail to be transported to England. However, the English navy under Drake Channel and Howard attacked the Armada with fireships, and this was the start of what became known as the Battle of Grave linestransport a large army in Flanders into England. The English tactic aim of using fire-ships, created panic among the Spaniards invasion was to depose Elizabeth I and to reimpose Catholicism on the fleet was broken up into small groups of shipsEnglish people. The battle fleet was to last over a week with both sides launching attacksan impressive and the Spanish were experienced, sailors and navigators. However, the commander Medina-Sidonia decided to withdraw and this was decisive as it meant that the Spanish army was unable to rendezvous with the invasion army. Drake old and the other English commanders were happy to let the Armada sail away from the invasion force. Then a strong wind from the southwest forced the fleet to sail to the north relatively inexperienced and into he committed mistake after mistake throughout the North Seacampaign.
===England as a naval power=The Armada and Religion====[[File: Phillip II wanted to return England to Catholicism. If the Armada One.jpg|200px|thumbnail|left|Sir Francis Drake]]It has often had been stated successful then it seems likely that a Catholic king or queen would have been placed on the defeat of throne. They would have had the Armada ended power to overturn the Spanish superiority at sea and was Protestant establishment in the beginning of England’s rise as a global naval powercountry. This was not No longer would the case. The year following the defeat Church of England be the Spanish Armada state church and once again the English monarch launched Catholic Church would have been the ‘English Armadaonly recognized religion.’<ref>Bridgen, p. 135</ref> This was a naval attack on Spain but Phillip II believed that it was heavily defeated with great English losses. Madrid changed its strategy and right for a series of fortifications were built monarch to ensure religious conformity in the Americas that gave greater protection against English and other privateerstheir kingdom. The fact remains that Spain after the defeat of the Armada remained the premier maritime power outside China. However, the defeat of the Armada did lead to long-term changes that were to prove very important new Catholic monarch probably would have persecuted Protestants in much the rise of England same way as a naval powerMary I had during her reign. There was a recognition, after the attempted Spanish invasion that the English needed a strong navy and successive English administrations pursued policies that helped to expand the navy and develop new technologies and ‘modern shipyards.’ <ref>Holmes, p. 217</ref> As a result, With Catholicism reestablished this could have hobbled Protestantism in the wake of the Armada, the kingdom became an important naval powerEngland.
On the hand, English Catholics faced an increasingly difficult life in England after the Armada's destruction. Catholics, known as ‘recusants,’ refused to recognize the Church of England. They came under official and unofficial pressure to conform to the state religion and give up their faith.<ref> Bridgen, p. 234</ref> Even loyal English Catholics became suspect and as a result, more and Catholics converted to Protestantism. By the end of the reign of Elizabeth, England was a Protestant nation, with only a small oppressed Catholic minority. The Armada had played an important role in this process. Phillip II had attempted to overturn the religious settlement in England but his attempted invasion only strengthened it. The people of England began to see themselves in providential terms and in biblical terms as an ‘elect nation.’ <ref>Krishan Kumar. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0521777364/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0521777364&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=40a0da3a27c0edae7a7be1c813dd2ca4 The Making of English national identity]</i> (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2003), p. 45</ref> The English began to believe that they were chosen by God to carry out his will. This sense of mission was one that was very important in later decades and was an important factor in the growth of English power, especially in the seventeenth and eighteenth century. ====England as a naval power====[[File: Armada One.jpg|250px|thumbnail|left|Sir Francis Drake]]It has often been stated that the defeat of the Armada ended the Spanish superiority at sea and begun England’s rise as a global naval power. This was not the case. The year following the defeat of the Spanish Armada the English monarch launched the ‘English Armada.’<ref>Bridgen, p. 135</ref> This was a naval attack on Spain, but it was heavily defeated with substantial English losses. Madrid changed its strategy and a series of fortifications were built in the Americas that gave greater protection against English and other privateers. Spain, after the defeat of the Armada, remained the premier maritime power outside China. However, the defeat of the Armada did lead to long-term changes that proved to be very important in the rise of England as a naval power. There was a recognition, after the attempted Spanish invasion that the English needed a strong navy and successive English administrations pursued policies that helped to expand the navy. England focused on developing new technologies and building ‘modern shipyards.’ <ref>Holmes, p. 217</ref> These changes laid the groundwork for England naval power. Additionally, if the Spanish Armada had been a success it is highly unlikely that England would have been able to successfully plant colonies in North America. In the early seventeenth century, English colonies were founded at Plymouth Rock and Jamestown. If the Spanish had placed one of their candidates on the throne of England then this may never have occurred. The defeat of the Armada saw England emerge as, if not a dominant naval power but an important one, and the principal colonizer of North America. Additionally, English trading companies such as the East India Company expanded across the globe.<ref>Holmes, p. 256</ref> England's naval capability directly lead to the growth and development of the British Empire. ====Conclusion====
The defeat of the Armada was a major turning point in English history. It saved the throne of Elizabeth I and guaranteed English independence from Spain. The Spanish saw the invasion as a crusade and one that would stamp out the heresy of Protestantism in England. The failure of the invasion meant that Protestantism became more entrenched and less sympathetic to Catholicism. Indeed, in the aftermath of the Armada, Protestantism became part of the national identity. To be English was to be a Protestant and to reject Catholicism. The attempted Spanish invasion led to the adoption of an anti-Catholic discourse, known as Popery and this was an important factor in English political life for over two centuries. The Armada did not end Spanish maritime supremacy but it did lead to England becoming a formidable naval power. This allowed it to found colonies and trading companies in the early seventeenth century that were to lay the foundation for the British Empire.
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