Essex's Irish Expedition

Timeline

1. 1599London · LondonElizabeth I appointed Essex Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and commander of the army, sending roughly 17,000 infantry, 1,500 cavalry, and substantial artillery to suppress the rebellion, hoping her favorite would end the Nine Years' War in one stroke.
2. 1599Ulster · UlsterAfter marching south into Munster and then turning on Ulster, Essex's forces were harassed by the guerrilla tactics of Hugh O'Neill and the O'Donnell clans, suffering supply difficulties and mounting casualties. The expedition consumed vast resources without destroying the rebel main force, and morale in the army fell low.
3. 1599London · LondonEssex concluded a truce with O'Neill without the queen's permission, then left Ireland for London without authorization, forcing his way into the queen's bedchamber late at night. Enraged, Elizabeth placed him under house arrest and stripped him of his offices; the Irish expedition ended in both political and military failure.