Spanish Armada

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1588 naval campaign by Spain to invade England

Spanish Armada

The Spanish Armada off the English coast

The Spanish Armada was a large fleet sent by Philip II of Spain in 1588 to invade England. The campaign was part of the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604), which was itself part of the larger conflict between Protestant and Catholic powers in Europe. The Armada's defeat marked a significant turning point in the rise of England as a global naval power.

Background

The conflict between Spain and England had been brewing for years, fueled by religious tensions and competition for overseas territories. Elizabeth I of England had supported the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule and sanctioned privateers like Sir Francis Drake to raid Spanish ships and settlements. In response, Philip II planned to invade England, overthrow Elizabeth, and restore Catholicism.

The Fleet

The Spanish Armada consisted of about 130 ships, including galleons, galleys, and supply vessels. It was commanded by the Duke of Medina Sidonia, who had little naval experience. The fleet set sail from Lisbon in May 1588, intending to rendezvous with the Duke of Parma's army in the Spanish Netherlands and then invade England.

The Battle

The Armada reached the English Channel in late July 1588. The English fleet, commanded by Charles Howard and Sir Francis Drake, engaged the Spanish in a series of skirmishes. The English ships were more maneuverable and better armed, allowing them to inflict significant damage on the Spanish fleet.

The decisive battle took place off Gravelines on August 8, 1588. The English used fireships to break the Spanish formation, causing panic and confusion. The Spanish fleet was forced to retreat north around Scotland and Ireland, where many ships were wrecked by storms.

Aftermath

The defeat of the Spanish Armada was a major blow to Spain's maritime ambitions and marked the beginning of the decline of the Spanish Empire. For England, it was a moment of national pride and a turning point in its rise as a global naval power. The victory also bolstered the Protestant cause in Europe.

Legacy

The Spanish Armada has been the subject of numerous historical studies, artworks, and cultural references. It remains a symbol of the struggle between Protestant and Catholic powers in the 16th century and a key event in the history of naval warfare.

Related Pages

• Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604)
• Elizabeth I of England
• Philip II of Spain
• Sir Francis Drake
• Duke of Medina Sidonia
• Dutch Revolt
• Battle of Gravelines