Early Elizabethan England (1558-1588): Consequences of English Victory over Spain

English victory over the Spanish was significant for a number of reasons. Firstly, it established Elizabeth as a stronger leader, and cemented her position as Queen. The victory was also a significant propaganda victory for Elizabeth. Portraits were created showing her a great leader and the perils of the Spanish Armada.

For Elizabeth it also showed the triumph of Protestantism over Catholicism. This was a point that Elizabeth pressed quickly to show the belief from God that Protestantism was the true religion of Europe. The emphasise this point, Elizabeth had special medals created which said ‘God blew, and they were scattered’.

An another level, the victory for the English showed the power of the English nation as a European power. It inspired other nations to fight against more powerful enemies such as the restarting of Dutch rebellions against the Spanish. England herself became more confident in her exploration of the sea, as her navy had been proved as a powerful fighting force. For Spain however, the Armada ruined Spain financially. Some historians have seen the Armada as starting point for the decline of Spain.