Final answer:
The English fleet, with smaller and faster ships, was commanded by legendary captains such as Francis Drake and met the Spanish Armada in 1588. The defeat of the Armada due to poor weather and English naval tactics marked the decline of Spanish maritime dominance and the rise of English power, influencing global history by establishing a foundation for England's colonial expansion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Armada was met by an English fleet whose ships were smaller, faster, and easier to maneuver. The English ships were commanded by such daring captains as Francis Drake, John Hawkins, and Martin Frobisher.
During the significant historical event of 1588, the formidable Spanish Armada, organized by King Philip II of Spain, encountered a series of misfortunes in the English Channel, including poor weather conditions which left them at a disadvantage.
The fleet, led by Lord Charles Howard and the renowned Sir Francis Drake, took strategic advantage of their smaller and more maneuverable vessels to outclass the larger Spanish ships.
Additionally, an unexpected storm, referred to as the "Protestant wind", played a crucial role in the defeat of the Spanish fleet, marking the end of Spain's naval dominance and effectively changing the balance of power in Europe. This outcome not only ensured the safety of England but also established it as a leading naval force and paved the way for its future colonial expansion, especially in North America.
The defeat of the Spanish Armada had profound implications for world history. It halted the expansion of the Spanish Empire and initiated the rise of English colonization in the Americas. The victory over the Spanish fleet marked England's assertion as the premier naval power, replacing Spain's earlier supremacy on the seas.