TOPICAL ANALYSIS OF LESSON ON THE ARMADA

The purpose of this lesson is to show how to construct a topical outline of an important event in history.  It is assumed that the teacher will use, in preparing similar lessons, a larger history of Britain than the Public School text-book, in order that the class may be asked, after the lesson is taught, to read in their text-books an account somewhat different in treatment from that of the teacher.  The headings should show the sequence of events and should be concise.  The smaller print indicates the facts that the brief headings should recall to the pupils after the lesson.  The events preceding the coming of the Armada are suggested here among the causes.  These headings may be placed on the black-board as the lesson proceeds; they may be suggested by either teacher or pupils.  The actual teaching should be by both narrative and development methods.

For the teacher’s use a very interesting and trustworthy book is A History of the British Nation, by A.D.  Innes, T.C. & E.C.  Jack, Edinburgh.

I. CAUSES

1. Political.—­(a) Ambition of Philip to rule Europe; chief obstacles were England, France, The Netherlands.

(The opposition of France was overcome by a treaty and by the marriage of Philip and Isabella of France after Elizabeth had refused Philip’s offer of marriage.  The Netherlands were in full revolt and could not be conquered even by the cruelties of Alva and the destruction of their commerce.  England was the chief Protestant power in Europe and, as such, was the chief opponent of Spain.)

(b) The marriage trouble; Elizabeth’s religious policy broke off negotiations of marriage with Philip.

(c) Philip received as a legacy the rights of Mary Queen, of Scots to the English throne.

2. Commercial.—­Interference of the English in the New World, to which Spain claimed sole right.

     (This includes the English settlements as well as the capture of
     Spanish treasure ships.  Recall stories of Drake, Hawkins, etc.)

3. Religious.—­Philip was the chief supporter of Roman Catholicism in Europe, and wished to impose his religion on England.

     (This was the period of compulsion in religious matters.)

II.  EVENTS

1.  Preparations in Spain and England.

(Spain set about preparing a large fleet, to carry soldiers as well as sailors.  The best Spanish general was in command at first.  His death put an incapable man in command, who was largely responsible for the defeat.  The Duke of Parma was to co-operate from the Netherlands with a large army.  In England, the small battle fleet was increased by the voluntary contributions of all classes till it actually outnumbered the Spanish fleet, though the vessels were very much smaller.  A comparison of the fleets as they were on the eve of battle should be made.)

2.  Difference in the national spirit in the two countries.