Final answer:
The English navy triumphed over the Spanish Armada in the English Channel in 1588, aided by strategic advantages and a devastating storm. This marked the decline of the Spanish Empire and the rise of English naval power and colonial expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Spanish Armada sailed against England in 1588, marking one of the most significant battles in naval history. The English navy, led by figures such as Lord Charles Howard and Sir Frances Drake, encountered the Armada in the English Channel. Despite the Spanish Armada being a massive force consisting of over 130 ships, the English were victorious due to their smaller, swifter ships and the aid of a destructive storm, often referred to as the "Protestant wind." This event not only saved England but also paved the way for its future as a leading colonial power, usurping Spain's dominance over the seas.
After the confrontation, the damaged Spanish Armada began its treacherous retreat back to Spain, facing further destruction by storms. With the majority of its fleet destroyed, this marked the decline of the Spanish Empire and the beginning of English naval supremacy and colonization efforts, particularly in North America.