Anglo-Spanish War (1585-1604) Part 1

The Anglo-Spanish War (1585-1604) was a conflict between the kingdoms of England, ruled by Elizabeth I of England, and Spain, where Philip II reigned. The war began with English victories like that of Cadiz in 1587, and the loss of the Spanish Armada in 1588, but many Spanish victories like the Contraarmada in 1589, and the vast improvement in the escort of the Indies fleets and rapid recovery of Spain to the losses, eventually weaken and finally to England resulted in the signing of a peace treaty favorable to Spain in London in 1602

The war began in 1585. In October of that year Drake sailed west Iberian coast, plundering Vigo, La Palma and Santiago de Cabo Verde, crossed to the West Indies capturing Santo Domingo and Cartagena de Indias, whose return demanded by the Spanish authorities for the payment of a ransom , and St. Augustine (in Florida). Irritated by these attacks, Philip II sent a large fleet to assemble the mission to invade England.

The execution of Mary Queen of Scots in February 1587 outraged Catholics of continental Europe. His claim to the throne was inherited by Philip, who was a widower of Mary I of England. In July of the same year, Philip receives approval of Pope Sixtus V to depose Elizabeth, who already in 1570 had been excommunicated by Pope Pius V

In August 1588 the Spanish plans to invade England became effective: the Spanish Armada, led by the Duke of Medina Sidonia attacked the English fleet led by Charles Howard in the English Channel. Adverse weather conditions and clashes with the English fleet led to the loss or capture of half of the Spanish ships.

The failure of the Spanish Armada enabled England to continue their pirate attacks to the Spanish colonies, while continuing aid to the Netherlands and France.