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Challenges to Elizabeth at home and abroad, 1569 to 88
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Catholic plots at home and rivalry with Spain abroad led to Mary, Queen of Scots' execution and war with Spain.
Plots and revolts
Revolt of the Northern Earls (1569): the Catholic earls of Northumberland and Westmorland rose, planning to free Mary and marry her to the Duke of Norfolk. It collapsed and hundreds of rebels were executed.
In 1570 the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth.
Plots: Ridolfi (1571), Throckmorton (1583) and Babington (1586). Sir Francis Walsingham used spies and codebreakers. He proved Mary had approved the Babington Plot, and she was executed in February 1587.
In 1570 the Pope excommunicated Elizabeth.
Plots: Ridolfi (1571), Throckmorton (1583) and Babington (1586). Sir Francis Walsingham used spies and codebreakers. He proved Mary had approved the Babington Plot, and she was executed in February 1587.
Rivalry with Spain
England and Spain were rivals in religion (Protestant against Catholic), politics and trade.
Privateers like Francis Drake attacked Spanish ships and colonies, with Elizabeth's secret approval.
In 1585, England sent an army to help Dutch Protestants rebelling against Spain, led by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. In 1587, Drake raided Cadiz, destroying many ships: 'singeing the King of Spain's beard'.
Privateers like Francis Drake attacked Spanish ships and colonies, with Elizabeth's secret approval.
In 1585, England sent an army to help Dutch Protestants rebelling against Spain, led by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. In 1587, Drake raided Cadiz, destroying many ships: 'singeing the King of Spain's beard'.
The Armada, 1588
Philip II sent an Armada of about 130 ships under the Duke of Medina Sidonia to link up with the Duke of Parma's army in the Netherlands and invade England.
At Calais, English fireships scattered the Spanish fleet. At Gravelines English ships attacked. The Armada fled round Scotland and Ireland, and storms wrecked many ships.
Reasons for English victory: faster ships and better guns, fireships, Spanish problems with supplies and communication with Parma, and the weather.
At Calais, English fireships scattered the Spanish fleet. At Gravelines English ships attacked. The Armada fled round Scotland and Ireland, and storms wrecked many ships.
Reasons for English victory: faster ships and better guns, fireships, Spanish problems with supplies and communication with Parma, and the weather.
Explain why Mary, Queen of Scots was executed in 1587.
- Walsingham's spies proved she approved the Babington Plot to kill Elizabeth.
- As long as she lived, Catholics had a rival queen to support.
- Her execution removed the focus of plots.
Answer: Proof of her role in the Babington Plot and the continuing danger she posed.
Revolt of the Northern Earls 1569; excommunication 1570. Ridolfi 1571, Throckmorton 1583, Babington 1586; Walsingham. Mary executed 1587. Drake, privateering; Netherlands 1585 (Dudley); Cadiz 1587. Armada 1588: fireships at Calais, Gravelines, storms.
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