The Virgin Queen part 5

Foreign Policy and the Spanish Armada

Elizabeth's foreign policy was characterized by cautious diplomacy and strategic alliances. She sought to balance power in Europe by supporting Protestant causes and maintaining a careful distance from the Catholic powers of Spain and France.

One of the most significant challenges of her reign was the threat posed by Spain. King Philip II of Spain, a staunch Catholic, saw Elizabeth as a heretic and sought to overthrow her. Tensions between England and Spain culminated in the Spanish Armada of 1588, a massive naval fleet sent by Philip to invade England.

The defeat of the Spanish Armada was a defining moment in Elizabeth's reign. Despite being outnumbered, the English navy, under the command of Sir Francis Drake and Lord Charles Howard, managed to repel the Spanish fleet. The victory was attributed to a combination of superior tactics, unfavorable weather for the Spanish, and the determination of the English forces.

The defeat of the Armada bolstered Elizabeth's reputation and strengthened England's position as a major naval power. It also marked the beginning of a period of relative stability and prosperity, during which England began to explore and establish colonies in the New World.

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