An A* graded essay (level 5) on Elizabeth's foreign policy towards Spain throughout her reign, structured chronologically. It discusses the impacts of policy and also whether it was weak, whilst comparing to her Elizabeth I's aims throughout reign
AQA summary timeline of Elizabeth I's foreign policy
AQA summary timeline of Elizabeth I's religious actions
AQA summary timeline of the Break with Rome
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History
Unit 1 - Change and Consolidation
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“Elizabeth’s foreign policy towards Spain was always
weak and unconvincing” Assess the validity of this view
Throughout her reign, the country that features most prominently in Elizabeth’s foreign
policy was undoubtedly Spain. In describing her policies as ‘weak’ it is suggested there are few times
when Elizabeth was able to dictate policy internationally, and in using ‘always’ it is suggested that
Elizabeth had no successes in her foreign policy. In describing her policies as ‘unconvincing’ it
suggests there were no clear aims to her to foreign policy. For this to be true both of these must
have been a consistent theme throughout Elizabeth’s reign.
From 1558 to 1569, Elizabeth sought establish herself both within England and also
internationally. In 1566, Elizabeth supported the Dutch revolt in the Netherlands. This worsened the
relationship between the two countries; however, it shows the strength of Elizabeth foreign policy
during this time period because the rebels were eventually victorious against Spanish. However,
John Hawkins’ attempts to break the Spanish trading monopoly in the Caribbean lead to the
blockade of English ships in Mexico. His attempts were largely a failure, and this contributed to the
suspension of Anglo-Spanish trade. This supports the idea that Elizabeth’s foreign policy was weak as
Hawkins’ expedition was largely a failure. It does not, however, support the idea that Elizabeth
foreign policy was unconvincing as it shows that during this time period, Elizabeth’s main aim was
the antagonization of Philip in the Spanish – a common theme across events in this period.
Therefore this supports the idea that Elizabeth foreign policy was weak but not unconvincing .
The next period of Elizabeth's reign begins with her excommunication in 1570 and ends with
the Treaty of Nonsuch in 1585. In 1572, Elizabeth expelled the Sea Beggars from English ports and
many went to the Netherlands. This shows how Elizabeth’s foreign policy was not weak as the
expulsion of the sea beggars was a decisive move that inadvertently caused a revolt against Spanish
rule in the Netherlands. This idea is furthered when the 1573 Treaty of Nijmegen is considered, this
supports the idea that Elizabeth had a strong foreign policy as the resumption of trade between the
two countries would have benefited English merchants. This therefore demonstrates success of
Elizabeth’s foreign policy. However, these events (when combined with the 1585 treaty of Nonsuch)
show that Elizabeth’s foreign policy was unconvincing, because throughout this time period
Elizabeth had no clear aims towards the Spanish. Therefore, this supports the idea that although
Elizabeth had a strong foreign policy, it was not always convincing.
From 1585-1588, Elizabeth’s foreign policy was arguably at its strongest. In 1585 the Anglo-
Spanish war began and in 1587 there was a successful English attack on the Spanish fleet at Cadiz
that resulted in the occupation of the port. This demonstrates the strength of Elizabeth foreign
policy is it shows that not only was Elizabeth proactive in her dealings with Spain, she was also able
to achieve her aims that she held at the time. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588, although
largely due to the ‘Protestant Wind’ can also be seen to be a strength of her foreign policy due to her
skill in preventing the Spanish forces meeting with Duke of Parma’s more experienced forces. This
shows the strength of Elizabeth’s policy is it demonstrates another success of hers. It further shows
her policies were convincing. This is because it shows that throughout this period Elizabeth had a
consistent aim of antagonising the Spanish. Therefore, Elizabeth had both a strong convincing
foreign policy during this period.
For the final years of her reign, Elizabeth remained at war with Spain but also had to contend
with Spanish influence in Ireland following the Tyrone rebellion in 1594. Despite Elizabeth’s best
efforts, O'Neill offered aid to Spain and there was a second armada to Ireland in 1596. However, the
defeat of the Armada had little to do with Elizabeth’s policy and more to do with the weather. This
shows the weakness of Elizabeth foreign policy as she was unable to prevent another attempted
invasion. This idea is furthered when the landing of the Spanish army at Kinsale in 1601 is
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