England vs. Spain (Spanish Armada)
By: Joey Meier, David Obert, and Nick Roberts
Summary
Cause
When England’s King Henry VIII broke away from the Catholic church, he made the official religion, the Church of England. By the time the war started, the people of England had been discriminating against and persecuting the Catholics that lived of on the island. When the Spanish received word of this, they determined it would be their purpose to save their fellow believers.
Key Figures
Earl of Leicester - Led England's military expedition in 1585 to the Netherlands, which started the war.
Philip II - King of Spain at the start of the war.
Elizabeth I - Queen of England during the war and was able to fend off the Spanish Armadan Invasion.
Philip III - King of Spain at the end of the war, helped negotiate the Treaty of London.
James I - King of England at the end of the war, helped negotiate the Treaty of London.
Main Significance
Outcome
No “true” winner. After the death of Philip II, both sides agreed to a treaty that was favorable to both sides. However, England guaranteed independence from Spain and became the leader of the world with an increased naval power. This war resulted in an expensive war for Spain and a fatiguing war for England. The treaty made sure that the Protestant Reformation was protected for England.
Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Spanish_War_(1585%E2%80%931604)
https://www.heritage-history.com/index.php?c=resources&s=war-dir&f=wars_anglospanish
Primary Source
https://www.heritage-history.com/index.phpc=read&author=synge&book=awakening&story=armada
"Awakening of Europe" - M. B. Synge: Drake’s voyage brought great spoils and enthusiasm to England. On the other hand, this news made Spain angry and worried about the growing power of England’s fleet. As a result, Spain expanded its own fleet to the dismay of England. This caused the rival nations to take shots at each other in an attempt to weaken the other. This is one of the causes that brought the Anglo Spanish War to fruition.