Alonso de Bazán facts for kids
Alonso de Bazán was a brave Spanish naval commander who lived a long time ago, in the late 1500s. He was part of a very famous family of sailors! His father was Admiral Álvaro de Bazán the Elder, and his brother was the even more famous Admiral Álvaro de Bazán, 1st Marquis of Santa Cruz. Alonso fought in important wars for Spain, like the war against England and the Eighty Years' War in the Netherlands.
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Alonso de Bazán took part in many exciting and important sea battles during his career. He was known for his courage and skill in leading ships.
Helping After the Spanish Armada (1588)
In 1588, Spain sent a huge fleet, called the Spanish Armada, to try and invade England. Alonso was supposed to join a second fleet to help them. However, the main Armada did not succeed. After its return, Alonso helped move Spanish soldiers to places like La Coruña and Lisbon. This was to get ready in case the English tried to attack Spain back.
Chasing the English Armada (1589)
The very next year, in 1589, it was England's turn to try and attack Spain. This English fleet, sometimes called the "English Armada," was led by a famous sailor named Francis Drake. But their attack also failed. Alonso de Bazán then chased after Drake's ships with his own galleys. He was successful in capturing three of the English ships as they were trying to get away near Lisbon.
Supporting Troops in France (1590)
In 1590, a conflict started in France called the Brittany Campaign. Alonso played a role by transporting Spanish soldiers, known as Tercios, from Spain to France. These soldiers were going to help the Catholic side in their fight against French Protestants.
The Big Win at Flores (1591)
One of Alonso de Bazán's greatest victories happened on September 9, 1591. This was the Battle of Flores. Alonso was in charge of a large fleet of 55 Spanish ships. They fought against an English fleet of 22 ships, led by Thomas Howard. The English were trying to capture the valuable Spanish treasure fleet that brought riches from America. Alonso and his fleet won the battle, protecting the treasure!
Defeating the Earl of Cumberland (1594)
A few years later, in 1594, Alonso had another important victory near the Azores islands. He defeated another English fleet that was trying to attack Spanish ships coming from America. This English fleet was led by the Earl of Cumberland.
Victory in the Essex-Raleigh Expedition (1597)
In 1597, Alonso de Bazán was part of another big win against the English fleet. This battle was against a large English force known as the Essex-Raleigh Expedition. It was another important moment in the ongoing war between Spain and England.
End of a Great Career (1604)
Alonso de Bazán passed away in 1604. He was a very important leader in the Spanish Navy. After his death, another admiral named Luis Fajardo took over his important role as captain general of the Navy of the Ocean Sea.
See also
In Spanish: Alonso de Bazán para niños
