Spanish Armada
1588 · English Channel · World · Modern
The Spanish fleet was driven off and, sailing around Britain, was battered by storms.
Belligerents
England
- Commanders
- Howard, Drake
- Strength
- About 200 warships, nimble and agile
Spain
- Commanders
- Medina Sidonia
- Strength
- About 130 ships carrying about 20,000 troops
Background
To suppress English Protestantism and privateering, Philip II of Spain sent a fleet to escort an army across the sea to invade England.
Course of the battle
- PursuitEnglish ships shadowed and harried the Spanish crescent formation up the Channel.
- FireshipsOff Gravelines, the English sent in fireships to scatter the anchored formation.
- Retreat in disarraySailing north around Scotland and Ireland, Spanish ships were wrecked by storms.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1588 |
|---|---|
| Place | English Channel |
| Result | The Spanish fleet was driven off and, sailing around Britain, was battered by storms. |
| Winner | England |
| Casualties | Spain lost about half its ships and over 10,000 dead; English losses were slight. |
| Territorial change | Spain's naval hegemony was checked, and English sea power began to rise. |
Impact
It marked the rise of English sea power and the turning point of Spain's golden age.
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