Philip II did not exercise perfect control over every anti-Elizabeth plot associated with his court. Elizabeth nevertheless answered perceived Spanish machinations by sending an army to the Netherlands. Robert Dudley's acceptance of the governor-generalship there narrowed her room for manoeuvre despite her instruction that he refuse it. Drake and other English mariners also attacked Spanish possessions with varying degrees of royal acknowledgement and support. Court intrigue, an open continental commitment, and semi-deniable maritime violence together widened the confrontation.
Chapter · 15:24-16:35
Escalation between Elizabeth and Philip II
Philip's imperfect control over court intrigue, English intervention in the Netherlands, Robert Dudley's governorship, and Drake's attacks turn tension into a wider strategic confrontation.