The English cannons were better than the Spanish because they were lighter, more mobile, and had longer ranges, making them more effective in battle.
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The English cannons had several advantages over their Spanish counterparts during battles in the 16th century. Firstly, they were lighter, often made of brass rather than iron, which made them more mobile and easier to transport. This meant that the English army could move and deploy their artillery more quickly than the Spanish, providing them with a tactical advantage.
Secondly, the English cannons had longer ranges than the Spanish. This meant that they could fire at their enemies from a greater distance, reducing the risk of being overrun by the opposing force. According to historian Geoffrey Parker, “The English artillery was more mobile and generally superior to the Spanish, and the gunners were highly skilled and experienced.”
Additionally, the English had a more coordinated artillery strategy. Master gunners would direct the fire of their cannons, ensuring that they were being used effectively and in a coordinated manner. By contrast, the Spanish often relied on individual gunners to make their own decisions about when and where to fire their cannons.
[table]
| English Cannons | Spanish Cannons |
|---|---|
| Lighter weight cannons made of brass | Heavier cannons made of iron |
| Longer range | Shorter range |
| Mobile and easy to move | Less mobile |
| More coordinated use | Individualistic use |
| Highly skilled gunners | Less skilled gunners |
[/table]
Overall, the combination of lighter, more maneuverable cannons with longer ranges and coordinated use made the English artillery superior to that of the Spanish. This superiority was evident in key battles such as the Battle of Gravelines in 1588, which saw the English Navy destroy the Spanish Armada using their superior cannons.
Video response to “Why were the English cannons better than the Spanish?”
In “The Rest of the Story” of the Spanish treasure fleets, Paul Harvey discusses the valuable cargo that was carried from South America to Spain, which kept the European monetary systems functioning. The convoys were safeguarded by cannons, which were made more robust by incorporating mining wastes’ gray dust into the iron used to create them. These cannons were then alloyed with up to 60% pure platinum, potentially making them more valuable than the golden hold. Today, salvagers are retrieving artifacts from sunken Spanish ships, mostly identified by their cannons, providing insight into the significance of cannon creation during that era.
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English Success: Secondly, small modifications in the design of ships meant that cannons could fire faster and fire more cannon balls at enemy ships. It should however, be remembered that England had only 24 ships to Spain’s 130.
More interesting questions on the issue
Also, Why were the English ships better than the Spanish? The response is: The English ships had cannon they could fire at a safe distance and could be reloaded quickly. The design of the Spanish cannon meant that they could only fire over short distances and were slow to re-load.
Why was the English fleet more effective than the Spanish fleet? The Spanish were opposed by an English fleet based in Plymouth. Faster and more manoeuvrable than the larger Spanish galleons, they were able to attack the Armada as it sailed up the Channel.
Similar
What advantage did the English have over the Spanish Armada? Answer to this: The English fleet actually outnumbered the Spanish fleet but were mostly light ships and carried fewer cannons than their Spanish counterparts, who had the English heavily outgunned.
People also ask, Were the English lucky to defeat the Spanish Armada?
It was bad luck, bad tactics and bad weather that defeated the Spanish Armada – not the derring-do displayed on the high seas by Elizabeth’s intrepid sea dogs. But it was a near-run thing.
One may also ask, Why did Spanish ships have cannon?
The English ships had cannon they could fire at a safe distance and could be reloaded quickly. The design of the Spanish cannon meant that they could only fire over short distances and were slow to re-load. The lack of a secure port where the Spanish could take shelter meant that the Spanish ships were buffeted by the wind.
Also to know is, Why were Spanish ships slower than English ships? Spanish ships were slower and less equipped for the bad weather than the English ships. The English ships had cannon they could fire at a safe distance and could be reloaded quickly. The design of the Spanish cannon meant that they could only fire over short distances and were slow to re-load.
Accordingly, Did the Spanish have a heavier armament than the English?
The answer is: A detailed analysis reveals that previous assumptions are flawed. The Spanish fleet fired a total weight of shot at least equal to the English, and with fewer pieces, they fired heavier balls shot for shot. Contrary to previous belief, the Spanish were not lightly armed. Their armament was formidable in terms of weight.
How did the Spaniards compare to the English?
In reply to that: By the comparison of weight-of-shot the Spaniards went for heavies compared with the English light, but by comparing range the English went for long whilst the Spaniards were content with short.
Besides, Why did Spanish ships have cannon? Answer: The English ships had cannon they could fire at a safe distance and could be reloaded quickly. The design of the Spanish cannon meant that they could only fire over short distances and were slow to re-load. The lack of a secure port where the Spanish could take shelter meant that the Spanish ships were buffeted by the wind.
Why were Spanish ships slower than English ships? The reply will be: Spanish ships were slower and less equipped for the bad weather than the English ships. The English ships had cannon they could fire at a safe distance and could be reloaded quickly. The design of the Spanish cannon meant that they could only fire over short distances and were slow to re-load.
Keeping this in view, When were cannons used? The reply will be: Cannon were later used during the English Civil War for both siegework and extensively on the battlefield. Cannon were first used abroad by the English during the Hundred Years War, when primitive artillery was used at the Battle of Crécy.
Simply so, Did the Spanish have a heavier armament than the English?
A detailed analysis reveals that previous assumptions are flawed. The Spanish fleet fired a total weight of shot at least equal to the English, and with fewer pieces, they fired heavier balls shot for shot. Contrary to previous belief, the Spanish were not lightly armed. Their armament was formidable in terms of weight.