Anglo Spanish Armada

At the beginning of 1588, the King of Spain, Felipe II of Habsburg, had been maturing for some time the idea of an attack on England, nation where ruled the Virgin Queen Isabel I, espinosa relationship with the country. The project, unlike other views, was not intended in principle to punish the pirates attacks (such as Francis Drake), but to cement a Spanish religious and geo-political domain in Europe. Philip II, years ago, had already begun their attacks against Protestantism supporting resistance Irish and attacked the Netherlands, also Protestant country, putting the role of the Empire on the continent in serious trouble. However, was the execution of Maria Estuardo, the Catholic Queen of Scotland, which decided the construction of a special Navy: La Grande and Anglo Spanish Armada. In fact, preparations began 2 years ago. Worried about the success of a naval attack and landing of troops on English soil, King Felipe II consulted with different voices authorized of the era. One, of the most reputed sailor of his nation, alvaro de Bazan, Marquis of Santa Cruz, believes that shipbuilding project is not only feasible, but that given the difficult times of the English Crown, is very easy. Unfortunately for Spain, the experienced sailor dies in full preparation of the project assuming command, inexplicably, the inexperienced and disqualified marine Duke of Medina Sidonia, Mr Alonso de Guzman. Until today, is unknown because Felipe II entrusted such enormous responsibility. By then, although on one much smaller scale of what has tried to show, the assault of the English pirates already constituted an uncomfortable problem. In April 1587, the famous Francis Drake marine, Jhon Hawkins and Carlos of Effingham Howard, Earl of Nottingham and Admiral of the English Armada, carried out a successful although medium-sized expedition to Spanish lands. They attacked the Bay of Cadiz, destroyed some forts in Algarbe and pounded part of the fleet that the then Live alvaro de Bazan was anchored in Lisbon, capital of Portugal and then, vassal of Spain country.