Final answer:
King Philip II of Spain tried to make England a Catholic country by launching the Spanish Armada in 1588, but his plan was defeated by the English navy and unfavorable weather, allowing England to remain Protestant and grow its naval power.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1588, King Philip II of Spain sought to end English raids and re-establish Catholicism in England by assembling the Spanish Armada. This massive naval force aimed to overthrow Queen Elizabeth I and eliminate support for Protestant rebels in the Spanish Netherlands. However, the English fleet, under skilled naval tactics and benefiting from unfavorable weather conditions known as the "Protestant wind," successfully defeated the Armada.
The decisive English victory not only preserved Protestantism in England but also solidified its naval prowess. The defeat of the Spanish Armada marked a turning point in European history, diminishing Spain's naval power and enhancing England's maritime influence. This triumph played a crucial role in shaping the course of history, contributing to England's subsequent colonization efforts and global influence.