Final answer:
The defeat of the Spanish Armada did not lead to Italy decreasing in power; this event marked the rise of England and the decline of Spain's dominance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 had several significant effects on the power dynamics within Europe. The correct answer to the question, 'Which of the following was NOT one of the effects of the defeat of the Spanish Armada?' is d) Italy decreased in power. Following the defeat, England rose in power due to its new dominance over the seas, which enabled the rise of English colonization in the Americas. Meanwhile, Spain's loss marked the beginning of its decline as a European power. However, the defeat of the Spanish Armada did not lead to a power decline in Italy, as the country was not a unified state at the time and not directly involved in the conflict between England and Spain.