Final answer:
Queen Elizabeth I was responsible for the defeat of the Spanish Armada through her support of privateering and a clever naval strategy that utilized swift English ships, leading to England's dominance at sea and the beginning of English colonial expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 was a pivotal event in European history. Queen Elizabeth I of England was responsible for this achievement in several ways. First, she supported and financed privateers like Sir Francis Drake, who led daring raids against Spanish ships, capturing significant amounts of gold and silver and undermining Spanish strength.
Additionally, her naval strategy included the use of smaller, more maneuverable ships, which proved effective against the larger Spanish vessels during the clashes in the English Channel.
Elizabeth's solid leadership, combined with fortunate weather conditions, known as the "Protestant Wind," led to the English navy's victory over the Spanish Armada and the subsequent beginning of the decline of the Spanish Empire's power in Europe.
Elizabeth's policies and support for privateers were a direct provocation to Spain, eventually leading to the dispatch of the Armada. While the English navy, with commanders like Lord Charles Howard and Sir Frances Drake, played a crucial role, the Armada's misfortunes were compounded by treacherous storms that aided the English victory and decimated the retreating Spanish ships.
The sinking of the Spanish Armada not only secured England's position as a dominant naval power but also opened the Atlantic for English colonial expansion in the Americas. Altogether, these elements exhibit how the Queen was pivotal in the sinking of the Spanish Armada and the increase of English sea power.