Why did Spain attack, England in the late 1500's? {2 reasons}
How did Spain's defeat lead to the weakening of the Spanish Empire?
1) Phillip II of Spain was a Catholic, while Elizabeth I of England was a Protestant
2) In 1584, Phillip II signed the Treaty of Joinville with the Catholic League in France. In 1585, Elizabeth I signed the Treaty of Nonsuch with the Dutch agreeing to provide them with men, horses, and a subsidy. Phillip II took this as a declaration of war and acted as such.
Spain's defeat severely weakened it's Navy which it rebuilt most of later in the war. Ultimately, English privateering devastated the Spanish preventing them to enforce it's power across it's colonies. The war also shifted trade in favor of the Protestant powers of the time.
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Spain attacked England in the late 1500s for two main reasons:
1. Religious Conflict: One reason for Spain's attack on England was the religious conflict between Catholic Spain and Protestant England. Protestantism was gaining popularity in England, and Queen Elizabeth I's government was seen as a threat to the Catholic Church. Spain, being a staunchly Catholic nation, viewed England as a heretical Protestant state and considered it necessary to challenge and suppress Protestant influences.
2. Maritime Rivalry: Another reason for Spain's attack on England was the competition for dominance over the seas. Spain had built a strong and wealthy empire in the New World, and its colonies provided a steady stream of riches. However, England, under Queen Elizabeth I, was becoming a growing maritime power with its own ambitions for expansion and trade. This led to conflicts over control of trade routes and dominance in the Atlantic.
Spain's defeat in its attempt to conquer England (most notably in the failed Spanish Armada campaign) had severe consequences, which eventually weakened the Spanish Empire:
1. Loss of Naval Supremacy: Spain's defeat marked a significant turning point in naval power, signaling the rise of the English navy. The failure of the Spanish Armada not only thwarted Spain's invasion attempts but also demonstrated England's capability to defend itself and project power overseas. This shift in naval supremacy weakened Spain's control over its colonies and trade routes, ultimately diminishing its global influence.
2. Financial Strain: The defeat of the Spanish Armada was a costly failure for Spain. The enormous expenses incurred in building and maintaining the Armada, coupled with the loss of ships and men, weakened the Spanish economy. The financial strain limited Spain's ability to invest in future military campaigns and expeditions, leading to a decline in its military capabilities.
Overall, Spain's defeat in its attempts to conquer England contributed to the gradual decline of the Spanish Empire, as it marked the beginning of a shift in global power and weakened Spain's naval and financial strength.