KS3 the spanish armada - fleet of ships to attack england

History Quiz - The Spanish Armada 01 (Questions)

Explore why Spain sent a huge Armada against England in 1588, and how religion, politics and piracy all helped to spark this famous sea war.

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Fascinating Fact:

Causes of the conflict included religious rivalry between Catholic Spain and Protestant England, English support for Dutch rebels, and attacks on Spanish ships by English privateers.

In KS3 History, you learn how rising tensions between Spain and England led to the Spanish Armada. Pupils explore religion, trade, piracy and politics to understand why war broke out in 1588.

Key Terms

Armada: A large fleet of warships, especially the Spanish fleet sent against England in 1588.
Privateer: A sailor licensed by a government to attack enemy ships and take their cargo.
Religious conflict: Disagreement and tension between groups because they follow different religions or beliefs.

Frequently Asked Questions (Click to see answers)

What were the main causes of the Spanish Armada?

The Spanish Armada was caused by religious rivalry, English attacks on Spanish ships, and English support for Dutch rebels. These issues made King Philip II determined to challenge Elizabeth I.

Who was involved in the Spanish Armada in 1588?

The conflict mainly involved Catholic Spain, ruled by King Philip II, and Protestant England, ruled by Queen Elizabeth I. English privateers and Spanish commanders also played key roles at sea.

Why is the Spanish Armada important in KS3 History?

The Spanish Armada is important because it shows how religion, politics and sea power shaped early modern Europe. It also helps students understand how England’s survival affected later British history.

Try These Related Quizzes

Which King of Spain ordered the Armada to sail?

[ ]	Alonso II
[ ]	Carlos I
[ ]	Ferdinand I
[ ]	Philip II

Who did Philip want to remove from the English throne?

[ ]	Edward VI
[ ]	Elizabeth I
[ ]	Henry VIII
[ ]	Mary

Which is not a reason for his hatred of Elizabeth?

[ ]	Elizabeth was a Protestant
[ ]	He believed that women were too weak to rule
[ ]	He did not believe that she was the lawful queen
[ ]	She had encouraged raids on Spanish ships

Philip also wanted revenge on which Englishman?

[ ]	John Hawkins
[ ]	Sir Francis Drake
[ ]	Sir Philip Sidney
[ ]	Sir Walter Raleigh

Elizabeth sent soldiers to help which country rebel against Spanish rule?

[ ]	Italy
[ ]	Netherlands
[ ]	Peru
[ ]	Portugal

Philip II was the widower of which Queen?

[ ]	Catherine of Aragon
[ ]	Isabella of Spain
[ ]	Mary Queen of Scots
[ ]	Mary Tudor

Which Admiral was the Armada's original commander?

[ ]	Santa Clausio
[ ]	Santa Cruz
[ ]	Santa Dominguez
[ ]	Santa Lopez

The Armada sailed in which year?

[ ]	1568
[ ]	1578
[ ]	1588
[ ]	1598

Before the Armada left, where did Drake carry out a daring attack on it?

[ ]	Cadiz
[ ]	Corunna
[ ]	Gijon
[ ]	Valencia

10.

The Armada eventually set out from which port?

[ ]	Bilbao
[ ]	Lisbon
[ ]	Oporto
[ ]	Santander

You can find more about this topic by visiting BBC Bitesize - Spanish Armada

History Quiz - The Spanish Armada 01 (Answers)

Which King of Spain ordered the Armada to sail?

[ ]	Alonso II
[ ]	Carlos I
[ ]	Ferdinand I
[x]	Philip II

He was a Catholic and did not like the idea that England was ruled by a Protestant queen

Who did Philip want to remove from the English throne?

[ ]	Edward VI
[x]	Elizabeth I
[ ]	Henry VIII
[ ]	Mary

He had hoped to put Mary Queen of Scots onto the throne - she was a Catholic

Which is not a reason for his hatred of Elizabeth?

[ ]	Elizabeth was a Protestant
[x]	He believed that women were too weak to rule
[ ]	He did not believe that she was the lawful queen
[ ]	She had encouraged raids on Spanish ships

Catholic Philip believed that Mary Queen of Scots had been the rightful heir

Philip also wanted revenge on which Englishman?

[ ]	John Hawkins
[x]	Sir Francis Drake
[ ]	Sir Philip Sidney
[ ]	Sir Walter Raleigh

Drake and other English pirates had raided many Spanish ships

Elizabeth sent soldiers to help which country rebel against Spanish rule?

[ ]	Italy
[x]	Netherlands
[ ]	Peru
[ ]	Portugal

This annoyed Philip even further!

Philip II was the widower of which Queen?

[ ]	Catherine of Aragon
[ ]	Isabella of Spain
[ ]	Mary Queen of Scots
[x]	Mary Tudor

Mary had died in 1558

Which Admiral was the Armada's original commander?

[ ]	Santa Clausio
[x]	Santa Cruz
[ ]	Santa Dominguez
[ ]	Santa Lopez

He died just before the Armada left Spain

The Armada sailed in which year?

[ ]	1568
[ ]	1578
[x]	1588
[ ]	1598

It took two days for all the 130 Armada ships to leave the port