Preparation for the expedition of Edward Fenton in the light of the English trade and colonial projects in the East Indies in the early 1580s
The article is devoted to the problem of preparation of one of the first English expedition to the East Indies, which took place in the early 1580s. Based on the official documents of the organizers, reports of Spanish agents and testimonies of participants of the expedition, author analyzed factors which influenced its failure. Fenton's expedition was prepared after the successful return of Francis Drake from his circumnavigation. His success and the favoring attitude of the Queen Elizabeth contributed to the growth of interest in Indian projects. The agreement concluded by Drake in the Moluccas and his friendly contacts in Java made it possible to hope for the success of the new expedition. The second factor that increased interest in the enterprise was the conflict over the Portuguese crown and the promise of one of the contenders to the throne, Don Antonio, to provide for all English merchants the right to trade in Portuguese India for the Elizabethan support. Preparation of the expedition in the constantly changing international conditions led to its delay and constant change of the plan and composition of the expedition participants. Attempt to combine the interests of supporters of aggressive actions against Spain and supporters of peaceful enterprise led to a struggle between the participants of the expedition, who represented the interests of investors. An attempt to turn the predatory raid into a military operation in order to support Don Antonio, and then refusal of the military component and preparation for a peaceful commercial enterprise led to the global changing of the commander and crew composition of the expedition. Drake was rejected for fear of losing such experienced captain and hero of the country. Frobisher was not approved by the Muscovy Company. Captain Fenton became a compromise figure, in part, because he was not a strong and experienced leader. The lack of resolution, necessary experience and qualification of the commander deprived enterprise of the chances for success. The hope on collegial management against the background of a conflict of the interest turned out to be fatal for the enterprise. Vague wording in the instructions allowed Fenton to change the plan of the enterprise, sending ships to the Strait of Magellan, which aggravated his conflict with the crew. Among other factors that negatively affected for the course of the expedition at the stage of its preparation was the opposition of the Spanish authorities. Spanish agents in England oversaw the preparations for the expedition. Drake's circumnavigation and rumors about the preparation of a new enterprise forced the Spaniards to send warships to the coast of Brazil and fortify the Strait of Magellan. The first officially supported English sea trade expedition to the East Indies ended in vain. It is considered as one of the most unsuccessful maritime endeavors of the Elizabethan era. The author declares no conflicts of interests.
Keywords
Edward Fenton,
Martin Frobisher,
Francis Drake,
Strait of Magellan,
MoluccasAuthors
| Mikheev Dmitry V. | Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia | Tankred85@mail.ru |
Всего: 1
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