The mighty strong Spanish Armada set sailed to England on July 1588 having around 130 or 140 ships with each ship containing enormous amount of firepower ("Extract from a letter to English government giving
details about the progress of the Armada"). The story of the Armada can be traced to 1585. King Philip the Second of Spain began to prepare this great Armada, or fleet, to invade England. There were many reasons for the invasion. One reason was the England was a Protestant nation, while Spain was a Catholic nation. This already gave the two nations to bicker about. Even before England became a Protestant nation, King Philip had been married to Queen Elizabeth the First's half-sister, Mary, and was able to control the English Channel so he can maintain access to Spanish Netherlands by ships. Since England's change to Protestant, English "sea dogs" were causing a lot of damage to the Spanish ships going the Spanish Netherlands. Such men like Sir Francis Drake attacked the Spanish ships and captured or sank the treasures on the ships ("The Spanish Armada"). King Philip also believed Queen Elizabeth had no right to the throne. Philip wanted to put Mary, also known as the Queen of Scots, or Isabella, his daughter, to the throne and make England a Catholic nation again ("The Spanish Armada Of 1588").
King Philip had put Santa Cruz in charge of the Spanish Armada, but tragedy struck when Santa Cruz suddenly died. His successor was the Duke of Medina Sedonia who not in any regards suited for the position. He had little faith and experience in the endeavor and even tried to convince King Philip to release him from his job, but failed. In addition to the misfortunate event, Francis Drake had actually sailed to Cadiz, Spain and destroyed many ships ("The Spanish Armada of 1588).
The Spanish Armada soon set off in their quest to invade England. There the English were waiting to confront the mighty fleet in battle.
King Philip had put Santa Cruz in charge of the Spanish Armada, but tragedy struck when Santa Cruz suddenly died. His successor was the Duke of Medina Sedonia who not in any regards suited for the position. He had little faith and experience in the endeavor and even tried to convince King Philip to release him from his job, but failed. In addition to the misfortunate event, Francis Drake had actually sailed to Cadiz, Spain and destroyed many ships ("The Spanish Armada of 1588).
The Spanish Armada soon set off in their quest to invade England. There the English were waiting to confront the mighty fleet in battle.