The Spanish Armada, also called the Invincible Armada or Enterprise of England, was a fleet that left Lisbon in late May 1588. It was led by Alonso de Guzmán, Duke of Medina Sidonia, a noble with no naval experience, appointed by Philip II of Spain. His mission? To sail up the English Channel, join the Duke of Parma in Flanders, and lead an invasion to overthrow Elizabeth I in England. The goal was to restore Catholicism, cut support for the Dutch Republic, and protect Spanish interests from privateers.
An English fleet based in Plymouth opposed the Armada. This fleet was faster and more agile than the Spanish galleons. It attacked the Armada as it moved up the channel. Some of Medina Sidonia’s advisors suggested anchoring in the Solent and taking the Isle of Wight. However, he stuck to his orders to meet with Parma. The Armada reached Calais intact but was then attacked by English fireships and scattered. It faced more losses in the Battle of Gravelines. With the wind changing, the remaining ships managed to escape into the North Sea. They were pursued by the English and returned home via Scotland and Ireland, losing up to 24 ships. Poor weather and English tactics were key factors in the defeat. This campaign marked the largest clash of the undeclared Anglo-Spanish War. The following year, England launched its campaign against Spain, the English Armada. This effort, also known as the “counter-Armada of 1589,” failed. Three more Spanish armadas were sent in 1596, 1597, and 1601, all failing.