Elizabeth's Foreign Policy 1568-1603

'Elizabeth's foreign policy was mostly a series of disasters'. Assess the validity of this view with reference to the years 1568 to 1603.Introduction - early foreign policy can be seen as unsuccessful (intervention in the France in 1562). This was a significant blow to her prestige and made her much more cautious when it came to intervention in Europe

Success of Foreign Policy 1568-1603

Relations with Spain

Declined for a number of reasons during the 1560s Trading activities of John Hawkins Religious disputes in the Netherlands Harassment of Spanish ships at any opportunity - 1568 impounding ships going to Duke of Alba This meant that Spain would be a constant enemy for Elizabeth throughout her reign BUT it is hard to justify the expression 'series of disasters'

Netherlands

1572 Dutch revolt led by William of Orange against Spanish rule - all provinces are in rebellion by 1576Elizabeth's concern is to protect English influence - agrees to the Pacification of Ghent in 1576Netherlands is in danger of disintegrating - Spain using base in the South (Union of Arras) to re-establish control

Netherlands

1580 onwards Spain is becoming more successful in re-conquest effortsSpain gains the support of Catholic League in 1584 Potentially a problem for Elizabeth as this could increase support for Mary Queen of ScotsTreaty of Nonsuch 1584 - English troops committed to Netherlands but this is not a success

Netherlands

Becomes main focus of conflict with Spain from 1589 onwardsSuccessful area of military action - by 1594 Spain had been drive out of all northern provincesSuccess - Northern provinces became an independent state and the southern provinces had some independence from SpainElizabeth had successfully prevented a foreign power from dominating the Netherlands

Mary Queen of Scots

Key aspect of foreign policy - had support from the Catholic powers of Europe. They wished to see her become Queen and remove the Protestant Elizabeth. Also link to the issue of the successionHer danger can be seen in the numerous plots - rebellion of Northern Earls 1569, the Ridolofi Plot 1571 and the Throckmorton Plot 1583-84Finally the Babington Plot in 1586 convinced Elizabeth she needed to be executed but the delay in doing so shows how complicated situation is.

Mary Queen of Scots

Focus on foreign involvementFailure - major reason why the Armada is launchedBUT - removes the greatest threat to her throne?

Spanish Armada 1588

Spanish response to English intervention in Netherlands after the Treaty of Nonsuch1587 raid by Drake - successful in delaying the Armada'Great' victory in destroying the Armada - but this was a combination of skilful tactics and luck with the weather

Continuing conflict with Spain

Many of her advisers felt Spain was interested in a Catholic conquestNotable success in naval campaignsIreland 1599 - again weather 'saves' ElizabethConflict would actually go on after her death

Conclusion

'Series of disasters'There is no doubt that Elizabeth experienced moments of great difficultyBUT was ultimately successful in the Netherlands, defeated Spain's attempts to invade and stopped Mary Queen of Scots becoming her successor