Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 - 5 Troublesome…
Full specification wording
Paper 3, Option 31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 - 5 Troublesome Ireland: Tyrone’s rebellion, 1594–1603: The reasons for the Nine Years’ War (Tyrone’s rebellion) and the significance of the support for Hugh O’Neill and Hue Roe O’Donnell from within Ireland and from Spain.
The Nine Years' War (1594–1603) stemmed from Tudor encroachment on Gaelic Ulster, religious grievances, and O'Neill's ambition.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The Nine Years' War (1594–1603) stemmed from Tudor encroachment on Gaelic Ulster, religious grievances, and O'Neill's ambition. Support from within Ireland included other Gaelic lords and Old English Catholics, while Spain provided military aid, notably at Kinsale (1601). This support was significant as it prolonged the war, threatened English control, and turned a regional revolt into a national and international conflict. However, internal divisions and English military superiority ultimately led to defeat. The war's outcome reshaped Ireland, leading to the Flight of the Earls and the Plantation of Ulster.
What earns the marks
- Reasons for the war: Tudor policies such as surrender and regrant, the establishment of English garrisons, and religious differences between Protestant England and Catholic Ireland.
- Support from within Ireland: O'Neill and O'Donnell allied with other Gaelic lords (e.g., Maguire) and gained some support from Old English Catholics, though many remained loyal to the Crown.
- Support from Spain: Philip II and later Philip III provided troops, money, and supplies, culminating in the Spanish landing at Kinsale in 1601.
- Significance of support: it enabled the rebels to sustain a long campaign, but Spanish aid was inconsistent and the Irish alliance was fragile, leading to defeat.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Claiming that all Irish Catholics supported the rebellion.
Put it right: Many Old English Catholics remained loyal, and support was uneven across Ireland.
Overemphasising Spanish support as decisive.
Put it right: Spanish aid was significant but limited; the rebellion's failure was also due to English military strength and Irish disunity.
Ignoring the role of O'Donnell.
Put it right: O'Donnell was a key leader, especially in securing Spanish support and coordinating campaigns.
Exam tips
- Distinguish between different types of support: Gaelic Irish, Old English, and Spanish. Explain their motives and contributions.
- Assess the significance of support by linking it to the war's duration and outcome.
- Use specific events, such as the Battle of Kinsale, to illustrate the impact of foreign intervention.
Try the lesson
The start of the Paper 3, Option 31: Rebellion and disorder under the Tudors, 1485–1603 - 5 Troublesome Ireland: Tyrone’s rebellion, 1594–1603: The reasons for the Nine Years’ War (Tyrone’s rebellion) and the significance of the support for Hugh O’Neill and Hue Roe O’Donnell from within Ireland and from Spain. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Which English policy in Ireland most directly provoked Hugh O'Neill to begin the Nine Years' War in 1594?
Listen
The Nine Years' War (1594–1603) stemmed from Tudor encroachment on Gaelic Ulster, religious grievances, and O'Neill's ambition. Support from within Ireland included other Gaelic lords and Old English Catholics, while Spain provided military aid, notably at Kinsale (1601). This support was significant as it prolonged the war, threatened English control, and turned a regional revolt into a national and international conflict. However, internal divisions and English military superiority ultimately led to defeat. The war's outcome reshaped Ireland, leading to the Flight of the Earls and the Plantation of Ulster. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Reasons for the war: Tudor policies such as surrender and regrant, the establishment of English garrisons, and religious differences between Protestant England and Catholic Ireland. Support from within Ireland: O'Neill and O'Donnell allied with other Gaelic lords (e.g., Maguire) and gained some support from Old English Catholics, though many remained loyal to the Crown. Support from Spain: Philip II and later Philip III provided troops, money, and supplies, culminating in the Spanish landing at Kinsale in 1601. Significance of support: it enabled the rebels to sustain a long campaign, but Spanish aid was inconsistent and the Irish alliance was fragile, leading to defeat. A common slip: claiming that all Irish Catholics supported the rebellion. Instead, many Old English Catholics remained loyal, and support was uneven across Ireland. Exam tip: Distinguish between different types of support: Gaelic Irish, Old English, and Spanish. Explain their motives and contributions.
See it
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. The Nine Years' War began
- 2. The Nine Years' War ended
- 3. Spanish forces landed at Kinsale
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Religious conflict
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
International relations
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Military strategy and leadership
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Colonialism and resistance
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Religious conflict
- Religious differences between Protestant England and Catholic Ireland were one reason for the Nine Years' War.
- International relations
- Support from Spain, whose Philip II and later Philip III provided troops, money and supplies, turned a regional revolt into a national and international conflict.
- Military strategy and leadership
- O'Donnell was a key leader, especially in securing Spanish support and coordinating campaigns, while English military superiority ultimately led to defeat.
- Colonialism and resistance
- The war stemmed from Tudor encroachment on Gaelic Ulster, including surrender and regrant and the establishment of English garrisons.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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