This thesis traces the development and the adaption of the originally Catholic concept of Holy War to the post-Reformation era, and a new faith, Protestantism. For this reason one part of the main...Show moreThis thesis traces the development and the adaption of the originally Catholic concept of Holy War to the post-Reformation era, and a new faith, Protestantism. For this reason one part of the main research-question of this thesis was how the concept of Holy War emerged in the anti-Spanish polemics, and the other part deals with its socio-political functions within the English society. The conclusion of the author is that the purpose of Holy War rhetoric in the anti-Spanish polemics was a way to sacralize political rule in England and to strengthen the English national identity. To maintain Protestantism, Catholicism needed to be fought. By strengthening the national Protestant identity and sacralizing the political rule, Holy War had become a productive cultural concept that continued to be present in the English society of the late sixteenth century.Show less
In 1585, the hostilities in the Anglo-Spanish rivalry came to an all-time high. Researches have presented a divided narrative about the conflict. A trade embargo on all English vessels and the...Show moreIn 1585, the hostilities in the Anglo-Spanish rivalry came to an all-time high. Researches have presented a divided narrative about the conflict. A trade embargo on all English vessels and the constant assaults of Sir Francis Drake were two potential reasons for the Anglo-Spanish War. Which one of them is the point of no return is, however, not known. Since the crucial moment is not established, the question of the point of no return has been left unanswered. Historians have debated with little success as the answers to the question have not been very definite. The absence of explicit evidence and specific research to the period didn’t encourage a better historiographic debate, thus leaving the question of the point of no return unanswered. This study examines the same question that past historians have failed to answer: the point of no return in the Anglo-Spanish relations. Furthermore, the analysis reveals valuable information about unnoticed parts in missives, a distinctive event and the perspective of Elizabeth I and Philip II on the conflict.Show less
In this thesis, the phenomenon of Anglo-Spanish marriage among aristocrats in the mid-Tudor age is examined against the backdrop of the political relationship between England and Spain. The main...Show moreIn this thesis, the phenomenon of Anglo-Spanish marriage among aristocrats in the mid-Tudor age is examined against the backdrop of the political relationship between England and Spain. The main question to be considered is to what extent the wider political relationship between these two countries influenced the practice of these multicultural marriages. This is assessed using two case studies: the marriage of María de Salinas and William Willoughby (11th Baron Willoughby d'Eresby) in 1516, and the marriage of lady Jane Dormer and Gómez Suárez de Figueroa y Córdoba (1st Duke of Feria) in 1558.Show less