Interpretations of the Challenges to Elizabeth: The Spanish Armada

History
Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
8 questions
~16 mins
1 views0 downloads

About This Worksheet

This worksheet explores different interpretations of the threat posed by the Spanish Armada to Elizabeth I, encouraging students to compare historians' views and evaluate their arguments.

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Interpretations of the Challenges to Elizabeth: The Spanish Armada

Subject: HistoryGrade: Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet

Grade Year 9 / GCSE / Grade 8
A

Contrasting Historians' Views on the Spanish Armada

Historian A: John Guy – Political and Military Perspective

'The Spanish Armada was primarily a political and military threat that Elizabeth skillfully managed. The defeat of the Armada was a turning point that demonstrated her leadership and England’s naval strength, which stopped Spain’s dominance in Europe. The failure of the Armada was due to effective English tactics, better ships, and weather conditions. This event bolstered Elizabeth’s authority and was crucial in establishing England as a major naval power.'

Historian B: Antonia Fraser – Religious and Cultural Perspective

'While the defeat of the Armada was a significant event, it was also a religious and cultural victory for Elizabeth. It reinforced the Protestant cause and her legitimacy as queen. The event was used to unite the country against a common enemy and to promote national pride. The Armada’s failure had a lasting impact on English identity and strengthened the Protestant Reformation.'

1.
Summarise each historian's view on the significance of the Spanish Armada's defeat. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
2.
Compare the two historians’ perspectives. Why do their views differ? (6 marks)
[6 marks]
3.
Evaluate which historian’s view is more convincing and justify your answer. (8 marks)
[8 marks]
4.
Explain why different historians might interpret the same event in different ways. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
5.
Describe how the event of the Spanish Armada’s defeat affected England’s national identity. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
6.
Outline the main reasons why the Spanish Armada was considered a threat to Elizabeth. (4 marks)
[4 marks]
7.
Explain how the defeat of the Armada helped to strengthen Elizabeth’s position as queen. (6 marks)
[6 marks]
8.
Compare the significance of the Armada’s defeat with other threats Elizabeth faced. Which was more important? (8 marks)
[8 marks]

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Details

Created
1/1/2026
Updated
1/1/2026
Type
worksheet