War and Weapons Elizabethan War

War and Weapons Elizabethan War and Weapons The Elizabethan era is one of the most significant eras in England's long history. There were several accomplishments and many where surrounded by war and weapons. This is not coincidental; this advancement happened mainly because of Queen Elizabeth I. She surrounded herself with intelligent people of the time and pushed for advancement relentlessly. The Elizabethan era was a time for triumph for the English. The recorded history concludes three major transformations occurred during this era. They all benefitted England in warfare.

These changes were that of ruler ship, the improvements of naval design and the weapons available for soldiers. Each is discussed here in detail. When Queen Elizabeth received the crown, big changes occurred to the English. She revolutionized everything from sports to benefits for the poor. This produced an immense amount of loyalty for the queen. In her "Golden Speech" of 1601 she said, "I do assure you, there is no prince that loveth his subjects better, or whose love can countervail our love.

There is no jewel, be it of never so rich a price, which I set before this jewel; I mean, your love: for I do more esteem of it, than of any treasure or riches" (Elizabeth I, pg. 5). She also utilized her position as an unmarried ruler to manipulate other rulers by making them believe she was going to marry her (Elizabeth I, pg. 5). King Philip II from Spain, Eric XIV of Sweden, and Archduke Charles of Austria were a few of the suitors hoping for marriage with Queen Elizabeth.

She really had no intentions of marriage because it could hinder her powers but she utilized her ability to draw suitors for many purposes that helped England in the Elizabethan era. She was recorded as saying "I will have here but one mistress and no master." She even used one suitor against another for political and personal means (Elizabeth I, pg.5). Queen Elizabeth was renowned for her support and love for the arts and literature. This propelled the technology of the age and helped defend the country in amazing ways.

As a founding advocate of the Protestant religion, Queen Elizabeth was force to defend her land and people several times. No event was as much of a success as the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. This was only made possible by the overwhelming loyalty and support the commoners had for Queen Elizabeth I. Although, she helped propagate the notion that medium sized ships were more effective than larger ships, it was the transformation of a 34 ships navy to a 192 ship navy overnight that allowed for this victory ("Elizabethan War").

This would not have been possible under any other rulers reign because most ships were that of merchants and the secret weapon was that of a new technology, the adjustable sail. The merchants fired under the orders of some of the greatest naval officers in history. Most were hand chosen by the queen, including Sir Francis Drake, but none were as important as the adjustable sail.

During the major battle Sir Francis Drake is quoted, "There was never anything pleased me better than seeing the enemy flying with a southerly wind to the northward" ("Elizabethan War"). The Spanish Armada was forced to sail northward while the fleet of England was able to attack. Once the larger ships were so far out to sea as to not be a threat, the reminder crashed into the shores of Norway with a starving wasted crew.

Those that survived had to surrender as many soldiers did due to the new weapon at the English army's disposal, the musket. Queen Elizabeth helped inspire advancement in technology and science. The invention of firearms was just before the Elizabethan era but she was just the encouragement the army needed to upgrade. In 1595, all soldiers were ordered to replace their bows with a musket.

The most popular one at the time was called the Matchlock and actually required the soldier to light the firearm with a match for every shot ("Elizabethan War"). This allowed for further victories for the British during the Elizabethan era and ended the castle battles of previous eras. The war with Spain officially ended in 1603 in England's favor. The Desmond Rebellion was prior to the establishment of the musket but it ended in the queen's favor. The Tyrone Rebellion was extinguished in 1603 as well.

Only this rebellion was devastating to the English army as all troop had firearms. This could be considered a defeat for Queen.