Final answer:
The correct answer is option B) King Philip II of Spain.
Step-by-step explanation:
King Philip II of Spain sent a powerful Armada to invade England in 1588, which was famously defeated with the help of both the skilled tactics of the English navy and the adverse weather conditions often referred to as the 'Protestant Wind'.
This attempted invasion was part of the broader struggle between Protestant and Catholic states in Europe and was spurred on by Philip II's desire to reassert Catholic dominance following England's shift towards Protestantism under Queen Elizabeth I's rule. Moreover, this event marked a turning point in the decline of Spanish sea power and the rise of English naval dominance.
The subject of this historical period is closely connected with the larger context of Atlantic exploration and colonization. Spain, under leaders like King Philip II, sought to extend its power through ventures in the New World, funded in part by the wealth extracted from its American territories. These actions directly impacted the political and military dynamics in Europe, contributing to the eventual clash between Spain and England. It is also pertinent to note that Portugal and Spain were the pioneers in establishing the first colonies in the Americas.