Rivalry with Spain
This section explains Elizabethan England’s rivalry with Spain. During the early years of Elizabeth I's reign, Protestant England and Catholic Spain maintained cordial relations. However, by 1585, tensions escalated, culminating in open war, and in 1588, Spain launched the Spanish Armada, attempting to invade England. This rivalry stemmed from a combination of religious, political, and economic factors that developed over time.
What Led to War?
Several key issues contributed to the deterioration of relations between England and Spain:
| Issue | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Religious Differences | Spain was a staunchly Catholic country, while England was Protestant under Elizabeth’s rule. The opposing faiths of the two rulers, King Philip II of Spain and Elizabeth I, created irreconcilable spiritual divisions. |
| Marriage Rejection | After the death of Mary I, who had been married to King Philip, he proposed to Elizabeth. She rejected the offer, which soured relations between the two nations. |
| Piracy | English sailors, such as Sir John Hawkins and Sir Francis Drake, attacked Spanish ships and plundered treasure in the New World. Elizabeth encouraged these privateers, infuriating Philip. |
| The Civil War in France | France had been a traditional enemy of both England and Spain, which kept the two countries allied. However, with France embroiled in a civil war, this shared threat diminished, and the alliance weakened. |
| Spanish Support for Plots | Philip supported Catholic plots in England, particularly those aimed at replacing Elizabeth with Mary, Queen of Scots, to restore Catholicism in the country. |
| The Dutch Revolt | Protestants in the Netherlands began rebelling against Spanish rule in 1572. Elizabeth secretly supported the Dutch rebels, knowing their resistance would occupy Spanish forces and reduce the threat to England. |
| Elizabeth’s Military Involvement | In 1585, Elizabeth escalated her support for the Dutch by sending an army under Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, to fight against Spain, marking the first direct military conflict between the two countries. |
The Importance of the Netherlands
The Netherlands held significant strategic and economic importance for England:
- Trade: The Netherlands were a key trading partner for England, and maintaining access to Dutch ports was crucial for English commerce.
- Protestant Solidarity: By the 1570s, Protestant ideas had spread throughout the Netherlands. Supporting the Protestant rebels aligned with Elizabeth’s broader aim of curbing Catholic influence in Europe.
- Buffer Against Spain: The Netherlands acted as a buffer zone between Spain and England. A Spanish-controlled Netherlands would pose a direct threat to English security.
The Dutch Revolt
The Dutch Revolt began in 1572, as Protestant Dutch rebels sought independence from Catholic Spain.
- King Philip II sent a Spanish army to crush the rebellion.
- The rebels gained a significant boost in support after the assassination of their leader, William of Orange, in 1584.
- The Dutch offered Elizabeth the title of Queen of the Netherlands, which she declined, wary of provoking Philip II further.
- However, in 1585, Elizabeth committed an English army to support the Dutch rebels.
This marked the beginning of direct conflict between England and Spain, as English forces fought alongside the Dutch.
Outcome of the Dutch Revolt
- Throughout the late 1580s and 1590s, the Dutch rebels, with English support, won significant victories against Spanish forces.
- By 1609, after Elizabeth’s death, the Dutch Protestants achieved their goal of independence, establishing the United Provinces of the Netherlands (modern-day Holland).
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