Spanish Armada facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Spanish Armada
Part of the Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604) and the Eighty Years' War
The Spanish Armada and English ships in August 1588, (unknown, 16th-century, English School)
Date July–August 1588 Location English Channel and the British Isles Result Decisive Spanish defeat Militarily indecisive Spanish invasion failure Protestant propaganda victory
Belligerents
Kingdom of England  Dutch Republic	Iberian Union (Habsburg Spain)
Commanders and leaders
Lord Howard of Effingham Francis Drake John Hawkins Justinus van Nassau	Duke of Medina Sidonia Juan Martínez de Recalde Duke of Parma
Strength
34 warships 163 armed merchant vessels (30 more than 200 tons) 30 flyboats	22 galleons of Portugal and Castile 108 armed merchant vessels (including four war galleasses of Naples) 2,431 artillery pieces 7,000 sailors 17,000 soldiers (90% Spaniards, 10% Portuguese)
Casualties and losses
Battle of Gravelines: 50–100 dead 400 wounded 8 fireships burnt Disease: 6,000–8,000 dead	Battle of Gravelines: More than 600 dead 800 wounded 397 captured Five ships sunk or captured Overall: c. 35 ships lost (10 scuttled) 20,000 dead

Defeat of the Spanish Armada, by Philip James de Loutherbourg

The Spanish Armada was a huge fleet of ships sent by King Philip II of Spain in 1588. His goal was to invade England and remove Queen Elizabeth I from her throne. The Armada was defeated by the Royal Navy of England. This important event happened between July and August 1588.

The English fleet was led by Lord Howard of Effingham. His second-in-command was Sir Francis Drake. A famous story says that when Drake heard about the Armada's approach, he was playing bowling. He calmly said there was still time to finish his game and then defeat the Spanish.

The Spanish Armada was commanded by the Duke of Medina Sidonia. He was not a naval expert. He took over after the original commander died in February 1588.

How Was the Spanish Armada Defeated?

The defeat of the Spanish Armada was caused by several factors. These included smart English tactics, better ships, and bad weather. The Spanish had a very large fleet, but they could not use their numbers to their advantage.

English Ship Advantages

The English had fewer ships, only about 55. However, these ships were often bigger and carried more powerful guns. The Spanish ships, called galleons, had cannons that could only fire short distances. The English ships had long-range cannons.

Part of the English plan was to damage or sink enemy ships from far away. This meant the Spanish could not get close enough to fire back effectively. English ships were also easier to steer and move quickly. This made them more agile in battle.

The Role of Weather

A severe storm played a big part in the Armada's defeat. The storm scattered the Spanish ships before they could fully meet the English fleet. This made it harder for them to fight together as planned. After the main battles, more storms hit the Armada as it tried to sail home around Scotland and Ireland. Many Spanish ships were wrecked on the coasts.

English Morale and Leadership

The English sailors had high spirits and were very loyal. Queen Elizabeth I gave a famous speech that boosted their confidence. Their captains were experienced and had fought in many naval battles before. This strong leadership and dedication helped them win.

What Happened After the Battle?

Even though the English sailors fought bravely and won, they faced problems afterward. They did not get paid for their service. They were also told to stay on their ships to "guard" against another possible Spanish attack.

Lord Howard of Effingham was upset when he learned his sailors were not paid. He said he would rather have no money himself than see his sailors go without. King Philip II of Spain died in 1598, ten years after the Armada's defeat.

Images for kids

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  Philip II of Spain around 1580

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  Route taken by the Spanish Armada

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  Signal station built in 1588, above the south Devon village of Culmstock.

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  Charles Howard, Lord Howard of Effingham, 1st Earl of Nottingham

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  English fireships launched at the Spanish armada off Calais

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  Sir Francis Drake in 1591

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  The Spanish Armada off the English coast

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  The Spanish Barn in Torquay held 397 Spanish prisoners of war

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  Day seven of the battle with the Armada, 7 August 1588, by Hendrick Cornelisz Vroom, 1601

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  A plaque in the Spanish Barn

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  Armada Medal, bearing the inscription Flavit Jehovah et Dissipati Sunt

See also

In Spanish: Armada Invencible para niños