The Spanish Armada was a massive fleet of 130 ships sent by King Philip II of Spain to invade Protestant England.

Philip's motivations included ending English support for the Dutch Revolt, stopping English privateering against Spanish ships, and restoring Catholicism to England.

The Armada's plan was to sail up the English Channel to link up with a large Spanish army waiting in the Netherlands and transport it across to England.

The English fleet, though smaller, consisted of more maneuverable ships with more powerful long-range cannons.

The English engaged the Armada in a series of running battles up the Channel.

A decisive moment came when the English used 'fireships' to attack the anchored Spanish fleet off the coast of Calais, causing chaos and scattering the Armada.

The subsequent Battle of Gravelines saw the English inflict significant damage on the disorganized Spanish fleet.

The Armada was forced to abandon its invasion plan and attempt a perilous journey home by sailing around Scotland and Ireland.

Severe storms on the journey home destroyed much of the remaining fleet.

The defeat of the Armada was a major victory for England, securing its independence, and marked the beginning of the decline of Spanish sea power.