Elizabeth and the Netherlands

Netherlands and the Dutch

Phillip II controlled the ports of the Netherlands

Spain, under the control of King Phillip II, controlled the ports of Netherlands and the Rhine estuaries closed off one of britians key trading routes. This reduced the incomes and profits from exporting goods and made relationships with Spain even more on edge.

The ports at Antwerp where particually important to Elizabeth as, having lost her port at Calais, they were deep water and allowed large trade ships containing exports such as wool to get in and trade with european countries.  

Dutch Revolt 1566

Until 1566 although the Netherlands were still under control from spain they were mainly left on there own to govern and live as they saw suitable. However Spain then sends Duke Alba over to enforce Catholism and make sure that any Protestants where punished. At this time the dutch were a mainly protestant country, a group of protestants rejected this new way of life and tried to start a revolt.

This worried Elizabeth and was seen…