OCR Specification focus:
‘Long- and short-term causes; Drake’s raid on Cadiz (1587), death of Santa Cruz and Medina Sidonia’s limitations.’
Between 1587 and 1588 Anglo-Spanish tensions escalated dramatically. Religious conflict, dynastic rivalries, and economic pressures combined with naval expeditions and leadership shifts to shape the Armada’s causes.
Long-Term Causes of the Armada
Religious Divisions
The Reformation was a fundamental source of enmity. Spain, under Philip II, was a staunchly Catholic monarchy, while England had consolidated its Protestant identity under Elizabeth I.
The 1570 papal bull Regnans in Excelsis excommunicated Elizabeth, encouraging Catholic subjects to rebel and sanctioning Philip’s intervention.
Religion therefore became both an ideological justification and a political necessity for Spanish aggression.
Excommunication: A formal exclusion from participation in the sacraments and services of the Christian Church, used here as a tool of papal politics.
The religious divide also meant Spain’s attack could be framed as a holy war, further strengthening Philip’s legitimacy at home and abroad.
Dynastic and Political Rivalries
Philip II had once been king consort of England through his marriage to Mary I. Her death in 1558 ended Spanish influence, but Philip still believed himself the rightful guardian of English Catholics.
Elizabeth’s support for rebels in the Netherlands Revolt challenged Spanish authority directly.
Rivalries between emerging Protestant states and Catholic hegemony framed England and Spain as opposing powers in the European balance.
Economic and Colonial Competition
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FAQ
Cadiz was chosen because it was one of Spain’s most important naval supply bases and a key staging point for the Armada. Large quantities of timber, barrel staves, victuals and equipment were concentrated there awaiting shipment.
Its open harbour made it vulnerable to a swift attack, allowing Drake to strike quickly and withdraw before a coordinated Spanish defence could be organised.
The success of the raid enhanced England’s reputation as a rising naval power. European observers noted that a smaller, less wealthy kingdom had inflicted serious damage on the world’s leading Catholic empire.
This not only boosted England’s prestige but also encouraged alliances with Protestant powers, who saw Elizabeth’s navy as a credible check on Spain’s dominance.
Philip II prioritised loyalty and aristocratic standing over military competence. After Santa Cruz’s death, he sought a commander he could trust politically.
Medina Sidonia’s noble background and unwavering devotion made him a safe political choice, but his lack of naval expertise left the Armada disadvantaged.
The raid destroyed crucial stores of barrel staves used for preserving food and water.
This forced Spain to rely on lower-quality replacements.
The result was rapid spoilage of provisions during the Armada campaign.
Logistical strain increased disease and malnutrition among sailors, weakening Spain’s effectiveness even before battle.
Santa Cruz had extensive experience in Mediterranean warfare, including Lepanto (1571), and was respected for his skill in commanding large fleets.
His death meant the loss of an admiral capable of managing complex coordination between sea and land forces. The transition to Medina Sidonia symbolised Spain’s reliance on political loyalty rather than professional naval leadership, leaving the Armada vulnerable at the highest level of command.
