Defeat of the Spanish Armada
In July–August 1588 Philip II of Spain's 'Invincible Armada' of 130 ships attempted to invade England, escort an army from the Spanish Netherlands, and overthrow Elizabeth I. English ships under Lord Howard and Francis Drake harassed the Armada up the English Channel with long-range gunfire, and fireships at Gravelines panicked the Spanish fleet into breaking formation. The Armada was scattered, and storms destroyed nearly half the fleet as it attempted to return via Scotland and Ireland. The defeat ended the prospect of Spanish Catholic dominance over England and opened the way for English colonial expansion in North America and the Caribbean.
- Year: 1588 CE
- Category: Military
