Spanish Armada Research Paper

Many people might say “First is the worst second is the best etc…” in the case of Queens of England this is definitely true. Elizabeth is the second Queen of England and was a much more king Queen than Mary Tudor or better know as Bloody Mary. Elizabeth’s life was outlined by many crowning accomplishments, the most famous of these would be the Spanish Armada attack on England!
Just like most to all conflict in the world the spanish armada was mainly caused by religious conflict. “God has given such brave soldiers to this Crown that, if they do not frighten our neighbours, at least they prevent us from being frightened by them.” (“Elizabeth I” n.pag.). The graceful Queen of England could not prove this point in any more of an obvious way. Each country simply believed that God wanted their country to be triumphant in
Spain tried to keep preparation a secret so England did not know, but it was a large armada and the English caught on relatively quickly. On the spanish side there were 130 ships. These ships were full of galleons and galleasses. The spanish side also had 30,000 men. In the ranks of these 30,000 men there were sailors, soldiers, officers, servants, gunners, doctors, and 180 priests. When it came to artillery the Spanish were prepared. The spanish had cannons, field guns, small arms, powder, cannon balls (123,790), bullets, pikes, swords, and armour. For supplies the Spanish had many food and drinks. Unfortunately for the Spanish the commander in charge of the armada, Santa Cruz, just died. Philip did not look hard for Santa’s replacement because he was replaced with The Duke of Medina Sidonia, who had no naval experience. The English had much fewer ships, but they were much faster. The English had guns with longer ranges and they were fighting close to home (Fitzsimmons n.pag.). England had the upper hand in this attack but the Spanish did not know