Spanish Armada

The Spanish Armada was a large fleet sent by Spain in 1588 to invade England. Under King Philip II, the Armada aimed to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and restore Catholicism in England. It consisted of around 130 ships and thousands of soldiers. However, poor planning, unfavorable weather, and strong English naval resistance led to its defeat. The Armada's failure marked a significant shift in power, weakening Spain's dominance and boosting England’s status as a naval power, contributing to the rise of the British Empire in the ensuing centuries.