What was the Spanish Armada?
The Spanish Armada was a fleet of about 130 ships sent by King Philip II of Spain in 1588 to invade England and overthrow Queen Elizabeth I. It was defeated by the English navy and storms.
Philip II, a Catholic, wanted to restore Catholicism in England and stop English support for Dutch rebels and attacks on Spanish ships.
The Armada sailed up the English Channel in July 1588, planning to collect an army from the Netherlands.
Defeat
English ships, commanded by Lord Howard of Effingham and Sir Francis Drake, harassed the Armada. Off Calais, English fireships scattered the Spanish fleet, and the English then attacked at the Battle of Gravelines.
The Armada was forced to sail around Scotland and Ireland to return to Spain. Storms wrecked many ships, and thousands of sailors died.
The victory boosted English national pride. Elizabeth I gave a famous speech to troops at Tilbury, saying she had the heart and stomach of a king.
According to legend, Drake insisted on finishing a game of bowls on Plymouth Hoe before sailing to fight.