effects of english naval victory over the spanish armada

This included Sir Francis Drake's burning of over 20 Spanish ships in the port of Cadiz in April 1587. English sailors deliberately targeted Spanish shipping around Europe and the Atlantic. Spain's empire was coveted by the English, leading to numerous skirmishes between English pirates and privateers and Spanish vessels. The Spanish saw England as a competitor in trade and expansion in the ‘New World’ of the Americas. Years of religious and political differences led up to the conflict between Catholic Spain and Protestant England. Some historians have seen the Armada as starting point for the decline of Spain.The Armada Portrait of Elizabeth I (© National Maritime Museum, London).

For Spain however, the Armada ruined Spain financially.

England herself became more confident in her exploration of the sea, as her navy had been proved as a powerful fighting force. It inspired other nations to fight against more powerful enemies such as the restarting of Dutch rebellions against the Spanish. The emphasise this point, Elizabeth had special medals created which said ‘God blew, and they were scattered’.Īn another level, the victory for the English showed the power of the English nation as a European power. This was a point that Elizabeth pressed quickly to show the belief from God that Protestantism was the true religion of Europe. Portraits were created showing her a great leader and the perils of the Spanish Armada.įor Elizabeth it also showed the triumph of Protestantism over Catholicism. The victory was also a significant propaganda victory for Elizabeth.

Firstly, it established Elizabeth as a stronger leader, and cemented her position as Queen. English victory over the Spanish was significant for a number of reasons.

Effects of english naval victory over the spanish armada