Queen Elizabeth I is considered by many to be one of Britain’s greatest leaders. Her strength and resolve in the face of overwhelming odds, as the Spanish fleet entered waters with the threat of land invasion, remains one of the Empire’s most enduring stories. The attack of the Spanish Armada of 1588 began in mid May and was the culmination of conflicts between Britain and Spain.

Catholic Spain was led by King Philip II who had at one time been married to Mary, the sister of Queen Elizabeth, with the hopes of making England a country of Catholicism. In the heat of the Reformation, Elizabeth chose Protestantism for her country which better suited her socialistic leanings and belief in the ability of her subjects to think for themselves. The contention between the former allies grew.

The rebellion against the Roman Catholic faith was widespread with rioting and destruction of popish artifacts taking place in Europe’s major cities. King Phillip was Dutch but leaned towards his Spanish possessions which had only increased after the abdication of Charles V and the break up of the Hapsburgs territories. It was a tumultuous time across Europe as old and new ideas clashed, often violently. When Philip sent troops to the Netherlands to quash the rebellion, he only created more resentment and confused loyalties.

Elizabeth had funded the rebellion for some time but didn’t want direct open conflict with Spain. But problems with the Dutch had split the nation. Elizabeth sent troops to prevent a total collapse of the area. By 1586, small run ins, pirateering and growing hostilities resulted in both England and Spain building up their navies.

The 16th century was a time of discovery and expedition, especially by the Spanish and English. The Spanish fleet, or armada, was financed totally by the gold “retrieved” during visits to the Americas but the choice of vessel although new was no match for what would become the Royal Navy. Britain was an island country and therefore of a seafaring mind. Their ships were great and, coupled with the assistance of their Dutch allies, the armada could only win by careful planning and a lack of confidence by the British. Fortunately for history and England they had neither.

The Spanish set sail for Britain in May of 1588 accompanied by their German and French allies. The armada consisted of approximately 130 ships and they were making straight for British waters with the plan to invade the country. But the Spanish fleet was a miss match of vessels from cargo ships to small boats and many never made it to English waters. After rough weather and the loss of several ships, the Spanish went to harbor only to sail again in June. They reached Calais in July where they anchored making ready to attack England.

England’s highest military advisors held counsel with the Queen to determine the best course of action given the circumstances. The British Navy had increased its strength in the previous months and needed now only the rallying cry of a Queen to get them motivated for the fight. It was Elizabeth’s words to her troops that helped spur the British fleet onto victory and have gone down in history as one of the world’s greatest speeches.

“And therefore I am come amongst you at this time, not as for my recreation or sport, but being resolved, in the midst and heat of the battle, to live or die amongst you all; to lay down, for my God, and for my kingdom, and for my people, my honor and my blood, even the dust.” –Elizabeth I

Duly inspired by a determined queen, the British attacked. They began by sending eight ships covered with ignited pitch (tar and straw on fire) into the Spanish fleet causing chaos and a number of other fires. Then the guns began to boom. Both sides were heavily armored but the rumored 190 British ships carrying 17,000 men quickly claimed victory. Although Spanish vessels weren’t captured by the British navy, they were forced to flee and hopes of a respite, rendezvous and return attack quickly fell from favor. The British were determined to win and the British Isles remained free of foreign invasion then and to this day.

“I know I have but the body of a weak and feeble woman; but I have the heart of a king, and of a king of England, too; and think foul scorn that Parma or Spain, or any prince of Europe, should dare to invade the borders of my realms.”-Elizabeth I

There never was another great fleet of ships attempting to pull down the crown, nor was there another royal like Elizabeth I. The victory of 1588 did not end Spanish aggression and conflict between the two nations went on for several more years but Phillip did not try his luck again. Today, every British school child is told the story of the Spanish Armada when Britain was tested and not found wanting. And although this once global empire would go on to invade, plunder and colonize the world, that night in July of 1588 will always remain a positive victory.

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