Question 1
Evaluate the interpretations in both of the two passages and explain which you think is more
convincing as an explanation of the significance for England of the defeat of the Armada.
Passage A
Whatever arguments historians may have over the wisdom of Elizabeth’s policy towards the Netherlands in the 1570s, few doubt that the decision to go to war in 1585 was correct: England could not have stood by and watched Spain extend its power throughout Europe. Yet the way in which she conducted the war has been called into question. However many stirring speeches she made to the contrary, she did not possess the aggression and daring so beloved by her male generals. Tudor propaganda worked overtime to portray Elizabeth as the heroine of her beleaguered country. But, despite her ultimate success in maintaining a war on four fronts and defeating the Spanish, Elizabeth lost the control and popularity she had enjoyed in the 1570s and England became harder to govern.
There is also a tendency to overemphasise the strategic importance of England’s defeat of the Spanish Armada. Its sinking was undoubtedly a heroic achievement, and a great English naval victory, but its effect was limited. Its success was not followed up and war with Spain continued for another ten years. Even at the time there were criticisms. Drake and other commanders were annoyed at their failure to capture, and therefore make profit out of, more Spanish ships and criticised Elizabeth’s decision to defend the Channel rather than invade Spain. Ultimately events at sea were less significant than those on land. Nevertheless, the navy could prey on Spanish shipping, which helped to pay for the land war and hampered the Spanish war effort.
Adapted from: B. Mervyn, The Reign of Elizabeth: England 1558–1603, published in 2001.
Passage B
The defeat of the Spanish Armada rescued the Dutch and saved England but it did not end the war. In fact, the war was extended, as Elizabeth agreed to offensive operations in France, Portugal and the Atlantic. However, she had no conception of an overall grand strategy to bring Spain to its knees. At sea she sought to use the English fleets merely to disrupt Spanish communications, intercept Spanish treasure and defend home waters. On land she was prepared to send armies only to make limited strikes to attain limited objectives. She was only too aware of the limitations of her purse and the unpopularity of her expedients to raise necessary sums. She insisted that her allies should pay their share of the costs of campaigns, and she avoided ambitious adventures. The decision to pursue a privateering war, attacking commercial vessels rather than attacking the Spanish navy, can be seen in the same light. Ultimately though, her objectives were achieved. Protestantism and national independence were safeguarded from foreign threats. The sea war continued until after her death and there were two more Spanish armadas and unsuccessful English expeditions. The war also spread to Ireland where the Spaniards encouraged rebels and tied down large numbers of English troops. The cost of Elizabeth’s success was high and the administrative machine creaked under the strain of warfare. The resulting economic and social grievances bred a new and more critical attitude to the central government, to the monarchy itself, and even to the monarch personally.
Adapted from: S. Doran, England and Europe 1485–1603, published in 1986.
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Answer
