In 1588, a fierce naval battle ended Spain's dream of invading England
King Philip II's massive Spanish Armada met a disastrous end in 1588 when English naval tactics and a fierce storm combined to break Spain's dominance over the high seas forever.
In August 1588, the seemingly invincible Spanish Armada faced a crushing defeat at the Battle of Gravelines. Seeking to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and restore Catholicism to England, King Philip II sent 130 ships into the English Channel. The English fleet used innovative fire ships to scatter the Spanish formation, forcing them into a panicked retreat.
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