Revision Note
Why did Elizabeth Change her Approach to the Netherlands in 1585? - Summary
The Escalation of tension between Spain and England centred around Spain’s rule of the Netherlands. Between 1576 and 1585, Elizabeth’s government had advised her to increase her support of the Protestant Dutch rebels. When Spain broke the Pacification of Ghent , the perfect opportunity arose for Elizabeth to send an army to the Netherlands. Spain had lost its wealth and the support of its troops fighting an expensive war with the Dutch. Elizabeth hesitated and lost this opportunity when Spain incorporated Portugal into its empire in 1580.
In 1585, Elizabeth changed her tactics and sent an armed force under the Command of Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. There are multiple reasons why Elizabeth sent a royal army to the Netherlands:
The Treaty of Joinville essentially united Spain and France. Elizabeth had lost her alliance with France after the death of the Duke of Alençon
A campaign in the Netherlands would distract Philip from invading England. He would not have the money or soldiers to attack England directly
The Treaty of Berwick (1586) secured England and Scotland’s alliance. It strengthened Protestantism in both countries. Elizabeth and James VI of Scotland agreed to protect each other from foreign invasion
England’s intervention in the Netherlands failed on both fronts. Elizabeth’s refusal to give Dudley enough money and soldiers to succeed in the Netherlands angered the Dutch rebels.
Treaty of Nonsuch, 1585
In June 1585, Dutch rebels communicated with Elizabeth
They offered Elizabeth the opportunity to become Queen of the Netherlands if the rebels successfully overthrew Spanish rule
Elizabeth rejected the offer. She did not want to depose Philip II, who she believed was the rightful King of the Netherlands
On 10th August 1585, Elizabeth signed the Treaty of Nonsuch with the Protestant rebel government ‘The Council of State’
Elizabeth agreed to send 7,400 troops to fight alongside the Dutch rebels
Elizabeth placed Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, in charge of the campaign
It effectively meant Spain and England were at war with each other
Alongside the Treaty of Nonsuch, Elizabeth used Sir Francis Drake
She ordered Drake to raid the Spanish settlements in the Americas
Drake’s actions in the Americas angered Philip
Philip was in communication with the Pope about a possible invasion of England by the end of 1585
Worked Example
Describe two features of the Treaty of Nonsuch, 1585
4 marks
Answers:
One feature of the Treaty of Nonsuch was the promise of troops (1). Elizabeth promised that an army of 7,400 English troops would support the Dutch rebels (1).
Another feature of the Treaty of Nonsuch was Elizabeth’s refusal to become Queen of the Netherlands (1). Despite being offered the position by Dutch rebels, Elizabeth did not believe in deposing Philip II, the anointed monarch of the Netherlands (1).
Robert Dudley in the Netherlands, 1585-1587
Dudley, Earl of Leicester, arrived in the Netherlands at the end of 1585
In January 1586, Dudley accepted the title 'Governor General of the Netherlands' on Elizabeth's behalf
This angered Elizabeth, who did not want the title. She believed it undermined Philip II as the Netherlands’ anointed monarch
England's progress against the Duke of Parma was slow
Dudley was not a capable military leader. He came across as arrogant
The Dutch rebels questioned Dudley’s decision-making
Dudley trusted Sir William Stanley to govern the town of Deventer. In January 1587, Stanley Defected and gave the town to Spain. Rowland York also defected and gave Spain the Zutphen fort
England achieved some successes in Dudley’s campaign in the Netherlands
In 1587, Dudley successfully prevented Parma from capturing the deep sea portof Ostend. This would prove pivotal in the Spanish Armada of 1588
Elizabeth eventually lost trust in Dudley’s ability to succeed in the Netherlands
She reduced the amount of money she invested in the campaign
She insisted Dudley return to England in November 1586. She ended the entire Dutch campaign by the end of 1587
Why Did England's Campaign in the Netherlands Fail?
A concept map explaining the different causes for Dudley’s failure in the Netherlands, 1585-87
Exam Tip
An exam question may ask you to explain why Dudley’s campaign in the Netherlands failed in 1587.
One perspective is that Elizabeth set Dudley up for failure. She did not want to provide Dudley with the necessary resources to succeed. Elizabeth half-heartedly supported the Dutch rebels in hope of restoring the Netherlands to its way of government in 1548. This would retain Philip as King of the Netherlands. As a result, she did not want Dudley to free the Dutch Protestants as they would overthrow their monarch.
Another perspective is Robert Dudley was not a suitable leader of the campaign. Dudley was one of Elizabeth’s favourites in the royal court. He had limited military experience. He arrogantly ignored Elizabeth’s instructions. As a result, Dudley annoyed the Queen and the Dutch rebels.
