In 1588, King Philip II of Spain attempted to return England to the Catholic fold by force of naval arms. The Spanish Armada confidently set sail for what became one of the most crushing defeats in history, due in part to the efforts of Sir Francis Drake. During the previous century, Europe had fully emerged from its Dark Ages, and its explorers ventured to all corners of the globe. Inevitably, these new world powers came into conflict with one another over economic, dynastic, and religious issues. In the midst of this upheaval, Francis Drake, who was motivated as much by his intense hatred...
In 1588, King Philip II of Spain attempted to return England to the Catholic fold by force of naval arms. The Spanish Armada confidently set sail for ...