The Spanish Empire: The English Challenge (Part 2 of 3) скачать в хорошем качестве

The Spanish Empire: The English Challenge (Part 2 of 3)

In the second video of a three-part series, we discuss the conflicts between the Spanish and English empires during the 16th century. By 1570, Spanish domination of European trade was hampering the ability of England to sell its wares abroad. War was a major problem in the Low Countries, where Dutch Protestants were in rebellion against Spanish rule. The blockade of the River Scheldt below Antwerp after 1572 impeded the export of wool and textiles. Mounting tensions between England and Spain augured badly for the free movement of English merchant vessels anywhere between the North Sea and the Straits of Gibraltar. England’s merchants and mariners began to look outward in search of new markets to develop. In 1497, John Cabot had headed a voyage to New Foundland and Nova Scotia. Then, in 1539 and 1540, William Hawkins had explored Africa and Brazil. English ships had also sailed around the northern coast of Europe to Russia and the Muscovy Company was founded in 1555 to develop trade with the formidable empire of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. But these were episodic ventures. Under the rule of Elizabeth I, a more comprehensive effort was made to extend English influence overseas. Credits: Illustration - Jonathan Benbow bongwedesign.com Script - Steve Theunissen Voice Actor - James Fowler Video Editor - Julia Nazario