The Spanish Armada: Superior Commanding
by Lillian Bonar
Essay: The Spanish Armada: Superior Commanding
Pages: 11
Rating: 3 stars
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The Spanish Armada arose in the 1580’s because the so-called “invincible” Spanish armada was on a mission to
overthrow the heretic queen Elizabeth I. The Spanish also wanted to put an end to the English robbing their
exports from America. Through six days of naval warfare, the English stood victors because of the innovative
thinking and tactics by Sir Francis Drake. The Spanish Armada was a test of guts and strategy for both the Spanish
and English Navy’s, but Sir Francis Drake, commander of the English Navy, decimated the Spanish fleet with
revolutionary tactics.
The Spanish armada was known as the most powerful navy in the world and they were prepared to go overthrow
Queen Elizabeth I. Elizabeth was known as a corrupt international political leader, she also encouraged her own
Navy to rob Spanish ships that were caring valuable exports from America. The Spanish were ready for revenge,
“nearly 140 ships and 24,000 men were supposed to rendezvous with an army of similar size in the Netherlands”
(Tompson 1). With a navy this size aiming to overthrow the Queen, the odds were not in favor for the English. The
Spanish were even known for having the world’s strongest navy. As they Spanish headed to the Netherlands to
meet up with more troops and the other half of their navy, the English fleet intercepted them. On the first day “the
English countered with a fleet about 200” they kept their distance and only “annoyed them with long range
gunnery” (Tompson 1). As being outnumbered the English were very smart in keeping their distance. This was just
the beginning of the English pestering the Spanish with their long-range gunnery. The Spanish armada was
heavily weighted with foot soldiers to board the English vessels, but “the English f...