ENTERPRISE OVER ENGLAND - Western Europe after the Spanish Invasion of England
- The Spanish Armada, instead of attempting a longer run up the channel, attacks Lizard Point after learning the English have spotted them. The English expect Medina will continue eastward, and do not mobilize fast enough. This leads Medina to swiftly turn back towards Lizard Point and ambush the English. While risky at the beginning, the unprepared state of the English navy ultimately costs them the battle, and Spain overtakes the western Channel, and moves certain warships east. Only about 60 English ships survive the incursion and retreat eastward.
- With this, the Duke of Parma learns of the Armada’s departure earlier, giving him more time to prepare a rendezvous and stage a two-way invasion. The eastern forces of the armada also begin to sail eastward and attack Dutch ships to rendezvous with Parma.
- This rendezvous, even with difficulty from Dutch warships, is successful. In August of 1588, the Spanish Armada’s ground forces land in Dover. After a lengthy and costly battle, and a near-defeat for the Spanish, Parma’s men reinforce the Spanish forces and give the spanish their victory. The invasion of England has begun.
- Spain dispatches a force to capture the Isle of Wight, creating a major isolated point where Spanish troops an be resupplied without having to sail all the way back to Calais. This also forces England to divide their forces.
- With Spanish dominance in the channel, they’re able to supply Gaelic rebels in Ireland, leading to the loss of several pro-English ports. While some are able to be reclaimed, the Irish insurgency further divides the English forces.
- Spain advances along the Thames river, while the Western ground forces land in Plymouth to force England to split it's forces. The western forces move to Exeter and Bristol.
- By April 1589, Spain manages to capture London, and capture Queen Elizabeth. King James of Scotland uses the opportunity to prepare for an English invasion of his own as English nobles defect to the Spanish and Scottish. Philip forces her to abdicate.
- As Spain’s forces make it to Bristol and only advancing faster as winter ends, England faces a political crisis. With Elizabeth in Spanish custody, the future of England looks increasingly uncertain. Therefore, the parliament holds an emergency meeting in Liverpool to discuss the terms of surrender.
- The Spanish treaty is as such:
- Spain integrates Cornwall into a Spanish crown possession.
- Wales gains autonomy as a Spanish crown possession
- Ireland is given autonomy under Philip’s rule.
- England becomes a vassal of Spain.
- Scotland is ceded all English land north of the River Tyne and the Isle of Man.
- King Phillip is the de-facto leader of England until a rightful heir can be crowned.
u/Backroomie43 — 2 months ago