Why the Spanish Armada was defeated in 1588.

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Why the Spanish Armada was defeated in 1588.

King Philip of Spain had many reasons to attack England with the Armada in 1588. The first recognizable reason began just after the reformation. Opposing religious beliefs caused England and Spain to become enemies. Ever since King Henry VIII had formed the Protestant church, England's Religion was Protestant. Spain, on the other hand, was Catholic.

Due to the strong role that religion played at the time. Queen Elizabeth I of England was determined to do all within her power to keep England purely Protestant. She imposed a fine on anyone who did not attend Protestant services. If any English person was found, hearing or reciting a Mass, they would be imprisoned for life. From 1581-1585 more than 18 English Catholics had been executed, by Elizabeth, for committing 'religious crimes.' This certainly did not please Catholic Spain.

For almost 20 years, English ships had continuously attacked Spanish treasure ships and raided the Spanish towns and ports situated in America and the New World. The attacks were led by the likes of Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins, and encouraged by Queen Elizabeth. The riches and treasures seized from