SPANISH

ARMADA
& How It Benefitted the Reign of Queen Elizabeth I

By Shahvez Jafri
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THE HISTORY OF THE
SPANISH ARMADA
 King Philip II of Spain had intended to invade
England, and the Spanish Armada was a
component of that strategy . La felicissima
armada, or "the most fortunate fleet," was a fleet
of about 150 ships and 18,000 men that set sail
in 1588. At the time, Philip II of Spain thought it
was invincible since it was the biggest fleet ever
seen in Europe.

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 WHY DID THE
SPANISH ARMADA
HAPPEN?
 The struggle between Catholic Spain and Protestant England was the
result of years of political and religious conflict . In terms of trade and
westward expansion in the Americas' "New World," the Spanish viewed
England as a rival . Due to the English desire for Spain's monarchy,
English privateers and pirates frequently engaged Spanish ships in
battle. Targeting Spanish cargo in the Atlantic and around Europe was
done on purpose by English sailors. This includes the burning of nearly
20 Spanish ships in the harbor of Cadiz in April 1587 by Sir Francis
Drake . In the meantime, Walter Raleigh made two unsuccessful
attempts to establish an English colony in North America . However, in
1587, invasion preparations picked up speed . Following Elizabeth's
execution of Mary Queen of Scots, which marked a turning point, 3
SPANISH
ARMADA
SUMMARY
• Together with a Spanish force from Flanders, Philip II of
Spain dispatched the Spanish Armada, a large fleet, to
invade England in 1588. Philip's motivations included
English sanctions against Spanish trade and dominance
over Spanish possessions, as well as a desire to restore the
Roman Catholic faith in England. About 130 ships made
up the Armada, which was commanded by the duke of
Medina-Sidonia. After the English launched fire ships into
the Spanish fleet, disrupting the ships' formation and
leaving them vulnerable to the English ships' heavy guns,
the Spanish fleet was decimated during the week-long
combat. A total of perhaps 15,000 Spaniards suffered
during the lengthy voyage home, and several Spanish ships
perished as well. The defeat of the Armada, in which
Francis Drake played a principal role, saved England and
the Netherlands from possible absorption into the Spanish
empire and started the powerful reign of England
HOW THE DEFEAT OF THE SPANISH
ARMADA BENEFITTED ENGLAND
• Many people consider the defeat and annihilation
of the Spanish Armada in 1588 to be the peak of
Elizabeth I of England's reign. The Armada's
demise had significant repercussions for England.
First and foremost, the English victory ensured
their independence . With the Armada's
destruction, England emerges as a significant
naval force in Europe. The future British Empire
was built on the strength of the British fleet.
Following the Catholic Spain's disastrous invasion,
England became more self-consciously Protestant,
and Catholicism lost favor and was perceived as
being anti-English. The English likewise viewed
the Armada's demise as an indication of divine
providence. They received reassurance that
England was a kingdom destined for glory as a
result.
 CONCLUSION
• The Armada's demise was a significant turning point in
English history. Elizabeth I's crown was secured, and English
independence from Spain was ensured. As a result of the
invasion's failure, Protestantism solidified its hold and lost
favor with the Catholic Church. In fact, Protestantism became
a component of the national identity following the Armada.
Popery, an anti-Catholic ideology that emerged in response to
the attempted Spanish invasion, played a significant role in
English political life for more than two centuries. Although
the Armada did not bring an end to Spanish naval dominance,
it did help England develop into a strong naval force. As a
result, it was able to establish colonies and commercial firms
at the beginning of the seventeenth century, laying the
groundwork for the British Empire.
THANK YOU
Shahvez Jafri
9A