The English Defeat Of The Spanish Armada In The Anglo-spanish War

The Anglo-Spanish War saw a significant naval conflict when the English defeated the Spanish Armada. Spain was angry at Elizabeth’s support of Protestant Dutch rebels. Spanish ships carrying valuable silver were attacked by raiders. Both sides made concessions to their enemies in the name of power. The result was a long battle between the opposing countries. The defeat of Spain led to the fall of Spain’s international dominance and to the establishment of a strong navy in England.

August 1580 saw tensions between England and Spain rise. England was encouraging Spain with its financing of revolts led by Protestant Dutch rebels who were Catholic Spanish rulers. Elizabeth encouraged her “sea dogs”, to attack Spanish ships carrying silver. They were often at odds with each other because they had opposing religions. Phillip’s main goal was to restore Catholicism in England. The “Enterprise Against England”, a formality, was created after Mary Queen Of Scots died. Some thought the Queen of Scots was more legitimate than Elizabeth. She was a rallying point and supporter of the Catholic faith. All these conflicts exacerbated tensions between the divergent nations. January 1586. Philip, King of Spain, was sick of the torture and made arrangements to invade England. The Spanish Armada, after many delays, set sail under command of the Duc de Medina Sidonia. It succeeded the original choice, Marquise Santa Cruz. Although the Marquis had been killed in Lisbon, the new commander was lacking in naval experience. That would later prove to be a crucial factor in the success and growth of the English navy. The Battle of Gravelines was a crucial battle that saw the English triumph. Fireship attacks by the English navy prevented the Spanish from meeting the Duke at Parma. The Spanish galleons, which were larger and slower than the English, could not regroup and were scattered. To return home, the Spaniards had to travel around Scotland in a difficult and painful journey.

August 1604 saw the signing of a finial Treaty in London. The defeat decreased Spain’s international strength. Spain’s international power was reduced and they were greatly impacted by the loss. The Armada was expensive to assemble and had significantly reduced the Treasury’s resources. The Spanish suffered a great loss and the New World was beginning to reduce its resources. Spain was left with 10 million ducats after the Armada failed, far more than what it had been expected to cost. Philip II also spent money incessantly. The Spanish King spent approximately 12 million ducats per year. Philip created the millones tax to combat the failure of the Armada.

Over six years, the 1596 tax raised eight million ducats. The millones had a devastating effect on the lower classes, and greatly increased living costs. In November 1596, Spanish Crown was declared bankrupt again. Philip’s overseas exploration was ended by the Bankruptcy. Spain’s loss, in part, of territories and ports in the Netherlands war also led to a drop in the economy. The country also lost valuable land and money. This shows the impact of defeating the unsuccessful Armada on Spain’s economy. Spain’s hold on Europe was also diminished by England’s victory over it. The invasion had two goals: to conquer England and restore Catholicism in that country. Spain was unable, therefore, to conquer England’s navy.

People began to accept Protestantism more after the Armada’s defeat. The term “Popery” was used to describe Catholicism, which was associated with intolerance, autocracy and slavery. Many English Catholics found themselves in undesirable positions. Many Catholics converted, and England became a majority Protestant after Elizabeth’s sovereignty. The Armada Northwards wind was a key factor in the English victory. Many English people believed that God wanted them winning. To commemorate the phrase, many medals and illustrations were created. This shows that Spanish authority was declining, primarily over the English. It also ends the Armada’s Atlantic dominance.

Spain failed to launch a victorious Navy twice more. Earl of Essex was the first to lead the “Great and Most Fortunate Navy”, which attempted to counter the English Capture in Cadiz. Philip made a second attempt in Lisbon. The Armada didn’t have the right preparations and was delayed and lacking money. Storms thwarted both of these unsuccessful attempts. This is a sign that the English navy has been declining. England’s victory introduced new tactics to the navy, encouraged nationalism, and allowed the country create colonies and businesses.

A new tactic used during the battle helped England win. Spain used close combat, which allowed them to reach enemy ships with their troops. England prefers long-range weapons that are effective. Spanish ships were slower and more dependent on infantry. The English navy had smaller, more powerful ships and more artillery. Because of their different tactics, the English were able to win using long-range ordinance. Because the wind was blowing north, the Spanish could not get aboard the English ships. Therefore, they were unable board the infantry. However, the English were able to pursue them with their long-range guns. According to him, this “end[ed]] the era boarding, close quarter fighting.” This defeat proved that naval warfare could still be improved with new tactics, even though Armada’s past successes. This also shows that England’s navy has been a powerful force. Nationalism was inspired by the Armada’s victory.

England was more confident after the defeat and began exploration in New World. The defeat was significant because of its impact on exploration and colonization. Spain could not invade England, saving the Dutch Republic from being destroyed. The English had many advantage and won a surprising victory over Invincible Armada.