Elizabeth I Ascends to the Throne
Elizabeth I became Queen of England on November 17, 1558, following the death of her half-sister, Mary I. Her ascension marked the beginning of an era known as the Elizabethan Age.
1558
1568
Conflict with Spain Begins
Tensions between England and Spain began to rise in 1568 when Elizabeth I supported Dutch rebels against Spanish rule and English privateers attacked Spanish ships.
1570
Excommunication of Elizabeth I
Pope Pius V excommunicated Elizabeth I in 1570, which intensified the conflict between Protestant England and Catholic Spain.
1585
Treaty of Nonsuch
Elizabeth I signed the Treaty of Nonsuch with the Dutch rebels, promising military support against Spanish forces. This further escalated hostilities with Spain.
1586
Babington Plot
The Babington Plot, a plan to assassinate Elizabeth I and place the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots, on the English throne, was uncovered. This led to increased security measures and heightened tensions with Spain.
1587
Execution of Mary, Queen of Scots
Elizabeth I ordered the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1587, eliminating a Catholic rival and further provoking Spain.
1587
Drake's Raid on Cadiz
Sir Francis Drake, under orders from Elizabeth I, launched a preemptive strike against the Spanish fleet at Cadiz, delaying the Spanish Armada's invasion plans.
1588
Launch of the Spanish Armada
In May 1588, King Philip II of Spain launched the Spanish Armada, a fleet of 130 ships, with the aim of invading England and overthrowing Elizabeth I.
1588
Battle of Gravelines
The decisive Battle of Gravelines took place on July 29, 1588, where the English navy, commanded by Lord Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake, defeated the Spanish Armada.
1588
Defeat of the Spanish Armada
The remnants of the Spanish Armada were scattered by storms and further harried by the English fleet, resulting in a significant defeat for Spain and a triumph for Elizabeth I.
1589
English Counter-Armada
In response to the Spanish Armada, Elizabeth I authorized an English Counter-Armada led by Sir Francis Drake, although it was less successful and suffered heavy losses.
1596
Capture of Cadiz
An English fleet, under the command of the Earl of Essex and Lord Howard, captured the Spanish port city of Cadiz, dealing another blow to Spanish naval power.
1601
Essex Rebellion
The Earl of Essex, once a favorite of Elizabeth I, led a failed rebellion against her in 1601, resulting in his execution.
1603
Death of Elizabeth I
Elizabeth I died on March 24, 1603, marking the end of the Tudor dynasty and the beginning of the Stuart era with the accession of James VI of Scotland as James I of England.
1604
Treaty of London
The Treaty of London was signed in 1604, ending the Anglo-Spanish War and bringing peace between England and Spain after the tumultuous period marked by the Spanish Armada.
